Form Submission: Participation Entry

Our research evaluated the nesting habitat, site preferences and architecture of the White-bellied Heron in Bhutan. From 2003 - 2018, 20 successful and two unsuccessful nests were located from where at least 76 juveniles have fledged. Nest specific data were collected from 22 nests, and additional vegetation and environmental data were collected from 14 nests and random sites. Our results suggest that the bird builds a simple platform nest within 74.0 ± 12.9m from water bodies on the isolated trees at an average height of 18.3 ± 1.4 m on an elevated site. Our results also suggest that the bird had a significant preference for east facing landscapes at an average slope of 37.9 ± 4.6 degrees at altitudes of 400 – 1450m. Protecting the sites from hazards, avoiding disturbances, maintaining safe feeding habitats and flight routes are essential to ensure continued breeding in current sites and survival of this population.