A breeding record of Malayan Night Heron Gorsachius melanolophus on Hateruma Island

Abstract

Neither the breeding status nor the fundamental ecology of Malayan Night Heron Gorsachius melanolophus is well-known. This report provides the first evidence of it breeding on Hateruma Island in Japan, where it has previously only been known from its calls. In 2022, a nest was found from which a fledgling was raised; the brooding period took more than 29 days. Although the species is commonly referred to as crepuscular or nocturnal, feeding events were recorded from the morning to the early evening.