FW: Christmas Island Unknown Heron Identification = Yellow Bittern

[David Stowe <>]

Hi Mike,
Thanks very much for that! Really appreciate these extra comments.
Best regards,
Dave

On 27/02/2014, at 3:55 PM, "Mike Carter" <> wrote:

> 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
>