The white-eared night heron is a species of heron in the family Ardeidae. It is found in southern China and northern Vietnam. In 2018, it was also reported in Valmiki National Park, India and in 2025, it was camera-trapped in Namdapha National Park, India. It is threatened by habitat loss and habitat fragmentation.
Region
East and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in southern China and northern Vietnam, with isolated recent records in northeastern India. It favors mature evergreen or mixed forests along shaded, slow-flowing streams, ravines, and quiet river margins. Nests are placed high in trees near water, and birds roost by day in dense vegetation. It avoids heavily disturbed areas and is rarely seen away from forested riparian habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive, crepuscular heron of dense, forested streams, the white-eared night heron was long considered one of Asia’s most elusive Ardeidae. It is primarily known from southern China and northern Vietnam, with recent camera-trap records extending to northeastern India. Habitat loss and fragmentation are the main threats, as it depends on intact forest with clean, slow-moving water. It forages mostly at night and is seldom seen in the open during the day.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
strong but slow with deep wingbeats, usually low over water
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, roosting quietly in dense cover by day. Breeding is thought to be in small, loose colonies or solitary nests placed high in trees near streams. Courtship is discreet, with low-intensity displays and soft calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are infrequent; mostly low, gruff croaks and hoarse barks at dusk or night. During the breeding period it may give deeper, booming notes that carry along forested valleys.
