- Egretta eulophotes
Identification
68 cm. White, full crest, yellow bill; breeding adult - blue facial skin, short nape plumes, long back and breast plumes, long black legs, green-yellow feet.
Distribution
Very rare and little-known. Breeding range is unclear: colonies in southern China, possibly elsewhere in China, in North Korea around Taegam Island and perhaps on the coast of the Russian Far East.
Migratory but extent of movements little-known. Recorded in South Korea, southern Japan and the Ryukyu Islands, Hong Kong, Malaya, Singapore and Borneo. Vagrant recorded on Christmas Island. Also accidental vagrant to Agattu Island, Alaska.
Taxonomy
Monotypic.
Habitat
Tidal estuaries and mudflats.
Behaviour
It breeds on offshore islands on cliffs, in trees and low bushes. It builds a disc shaped best from straw and plants. 3-5 eggs are laid and incubated by the female for 24-30 days. The female cares for the young.
The diet includes invertebrates, crabs, shrimp and fish.
References
BirdLife International; ARKive
