The
Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii) is a small heron. It
is of Old World origins, breeding in southern Iran and
east to India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
This is a stocky species with a short neck, short thick
bill and buff-brown back. In summer, adults have long
neck feathers.
Its appearance is transformed in flight, when it looks
very white due to the colour of the wings. It is very
similar to the Squacco Heron, Ardeola ralloides, but is
darker-backed.
The Indian Pond Heron's breeding habitat is marshy
wetlands in warm countries. They nest in small colonies,
often with other wading birds, usually on platforms of
sticks in trees or shrubs. 3-5 eggs are laid. These
herons feed on insects, fish and amphibians.
