Scientific Name: Ixobrychus eurhythmus
Malay Name: Gelam Belakang Coklat
Chinese Name: 紫背苇鳽
Alternative Name: Chestnut Bittern, Schrenck’s Bittern
Range:
Found from Siberia, Korea, Japan to eastern China and winters in southern China and Southeast Asia
Taxonomy:
Monotypic
Size: 39-42 cm
Identification: Male has dark chestnut upperparts contrasting strongly with mostly buffish underparts and wing-coverts. Female and juvenile resembles Cinnamon Bittern but has the distinctive black median crown stripe and much bolder white to buff speckling and spotting on upperparts and upperwing-coverts.
Similar looking species: Cinnamon Bittern
Habitat: Freshwater marshes, forest streams, well-vegetated ponds and mangroves.
Behavior/Ecology: Similar to other bitterns where it perches motionless for long periods before feeding.
Local Status: Rare migrant
Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Location: Central Catchment Forest, Lower Pierce Reservoir, Tuas South, Pasir Ris Park, Sungei Buloh and Satay by the Bay.
Photos:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
Reference:
Craig Robson (2011) A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia
Allen Jeyarajasingam & Alan Pearson (2012) A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore
