Gorsachius
Wave heron
Gorsachius is a genus of herons. They are counted for Tribe night herons. The assignment of the individual species of this tribe is not fully understood. So in some cases, the African White-backed heron genus Gorsachius and not to the second genus Nycticocarax is counted in this tribe. Gorsachius species occur exclusively in the Old World. These are medium-sized herons. The species of the genus are among the least known species of herons. The Haina heron is also regarded as the rarest heron world. Also, the Night Heron is classified by the IUCN as endangered ( endangered ).
Features
With Haina herons, egrets and shaft Night Heron is the only genus from East Asian species. All have relatively small distribution areas. The smallest area of distribution has the Haina herons, of which there are only two secured breeding areas in southeast China. Two more - one in China and also a second one in Vietnam - are not yet sufficiently proven. The Night Heron and the shaft herons are at least partially migratory birds. For the Haina herons, this is not entirely clear. But there are clues which allude to it. Thus, these herons came to 1962 before in Hainan. This was possibly due to birds that bred further north. The three Gorsachius species resemble each other in their very appearance. The wave heron and the Night Heron are very easily confused in the field even. All three species are medium-sized herons with a short, strong beak.
The lifestyle of the three species of heron is considered not yet sufficiently investigated. Especially on the rare Haina herons we know very little. The wave heron is diurnal and nocturnal, the Night Heron, however, more active at night. This is assumed also for the Haina herons. All three species nest alone or in small colonies. The nest usually includes three to four eggs. The wave heron is a relatively little -bonded to the water Art. Its primary habitat is subtropical rainforests, where he preys on the ground for frogs and earthworms. The other two species are more closely linked to the water. The Haina Heron and the Night Heron also require dense primary forests, however, must be located in the vicinity of streams or waters located. This very specific habitat requirements are one reason why these last two species have become so rare. The Night Heron takes place in Japan, where it breeds almost exclusively, barely regions that meet these requirements.
Species
The following three types are safe to Gorsachius:
- Haina herons, Gorsachius magnificus
- Night Heron, Gorsachius goisagi
- Wave herons, Gorsachius melanolophus