FW: Christmas Island Unknown Heron Identification = Yellow Bittern

["Mike Carter" <>]

Hi David, It is because it is now clear that the streaks on the back are a 
real plumage feature whereas before I thought they may have been highlights 
produced by reflected sunlight combined with shadows of feathers raised by 
wind Alternatively, photographic artefact due to the low quality image, low 
pixel count - poor definition. Striated Herons are plain on the back, i.e. 
they lack those stripes/streaks. The diagonal dark line across the face 
through the eye is a diagnostic character of Yellow Bittern and shows better 
in this image. Misleading is that it is suitable habitat for Striated Heron 
but a bizarre place for a Yellow Bittern. Perhaps it had just flown in.
Mike Carter
30 Canadian Bay Road
Mount Eliza  VIC 3930
Tel  (03) 9787 7136