Observations on breeding behavior of the White-eared Night Heron (Gorsachius magnificus) in northern Guangdong, China

The White-eared Night Heron (Gorsachius magnificus) is a Class II protected species in China. It is difficult to observe in the field and its population is small. The present study reports a new distribution site in Nanxiong County, in northern Guangdong Province, where observations of an active nest were made from 4 May to 14 July 2012, the first time consecutive observations have been made for a period of more than two months. The adults flew away from the nest at night, with a peak at 19:00-20:00 and returned in the mornings with a peak at 04:30-05:30. The peak time for feeding young was at 05:00-05:30, accounting for 26.5% of total feeding activities. No feeding occurred from 10:00 to 16:00. The results of our study of its behavior explain why the White-eared Night Heron is usually observed in the evening just before dark, or in the morning before sunrise, at least during the breeding season. There were about 67 days from hatching to fledging, longer than the fledging time of most heron species. This study is the first to cover the entire period of parental care and fills a gap in previous knowledge.