Scientific Name: Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Malay Name: Gelam Bendang
Chinese Name: 栗苇鳽
Found from Indian subcontinent to China and Southeast Asia with some northern population wintering south to Southeast Asia
Size: 38-41 cm
Identification: Male has distinctive uniform bright cinnamon-rufous wings and upperparts while female has slightly darker upperparts with vague buffish speckling on scapulars and upperwing-coverts. Juvenile resembles female but has buffish streaks on sides of head and dense buffish speckling on upperparts and upperwing-coverts.
Similar looking species: Von Schrenck’s Bittern
Habitat: Grasslands and marshes near freshwater wetlands and occasionally mangroves.
Behavior/Ecology: Often seen in flight. Sometimes perches motionless for long periods before feeding.
Local Status: Uncommon resident and uncommon migrant
Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Location: Bidadari, Punggol Barat, Seletar West, Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, Kranji Marsh, Tuas South, Japanese/Chinese Gardens, Lorong Halus, Pasir Ris Farmway 3, Pasir Ris Park, Sungei Buloh and Satay by the Bay.
Craig Robson (2011) A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia
Allen Jeyarajasingam & Alan Pearson (2012) A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore