Javan Pond Heron

Overview

The Javan pond heron (Ardeola speciosa) is a wading bird of the heron family found in shallow fresh and salt-water wetlands in Southeast Asia. It is migratory and classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of approximately 45 cm with white wings.
• Yellow bill with a black tip, along with yellow eyes and legs.
• Plumage is orange, slaty and white during the mating season, and brown and flecked with white out of the mating season.
• Non-breeding plumage is virtually indistinguishable in the field from the Chinese and Indian pond herons.

Habitat

The species inhabits shallow fresh and salt-water wetlands throughout Southeast Asia. It is widespread across this large range.

Diet

Its diet comprises insects, fish, and crabs.

Did you know?

The non-breeding plumage is so similar to that of the Chinese and Indian pond herons that it is virtually indistinguishable in the field.