(Liaoning Learning Platform)
Night herons are found in the lowlands of East, Central and South China, and are also common in Northeast China in recent years. Winter migration to the southern coast of China and Hainan Island.
Night herons mainly inhabit plains and hilly areas of farmland, swamps, shrublands or forests near ponds, and are often confused with egrets, cattleback herons, pond herons and so on. It feeds on small fish, frogs, aquatic insects, etc., and is a summer migratory bird.
Night herons breed from April to July, and often nest in broad-leaved forests, mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests, and nest in clusters. 4-6 eggs are laid per nest, with a incubation period of 22-26 days and a brooding period of 30-35 days.
Author: Liu Dongwei