Japanese Night-Heron

100

Not yet spotted on Fladder

An endangered and highly secretive night-heron that breeds in Japan and migrates to Southeast Asia for winter. It has a cryptic brown and buff plumage.

Where to spot

Dense, broadleaf forests and wooded wetlands in Japan (breeding) and Southeast Asia (wintering: Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia).

How to spot

Requires extreme patience. Listen for its distinctive hooting call. Search dense forest undergrowth near streams. Often found perched motionless on the forest floor.

When to spot

Migratory. Best observed during spring (May-June) in breeding grounds when males are calling, or in wintering grounds (November-March). Primarily active at night.

Where to spot

Dense, broadleaf forests and wooded wetlands in Japan (breeding) and Southeast Asia (wintering: Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia).

How to spot

Requires extreme patience. Listen for its distinctive hooting call. Search dense forest undergrowth near streams. Often found perched motionless on the forest floor.

When to spot

Migratory. Best observed during spring (May-June) in breeding grounds when males are calling, or in wintering grounds (November-March). Primarily active at night.

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

This species is incredibly elusive and rarely seen due to its nocturnal habits and preference for dense, undisturbed forest. Its loud, 'ho-ho-ho' call is often the only clue to its presence.

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