Indian Pond Heron Latest News
Recent citizen-science data from Visakhapatnam suggests that pond herons and cattle egrets may be undertaking regular seasonal journeys along the East coast, reviving a 30-year-old mystery from Chennai.
About Indian Pond Heron
- Indian Pond Heron or paddybird (Ardeola grayii) is a small heron of Old World origins belonging to the family Ardeidae.
- It acquires maroon hair like plumes on back and a long occipital crest during breeding season.
- Appearance
- They appear stocky with a short neck, short thick bill and buff-brown back.Â
- During the breeding season, its plumage exhibits shades of chestnut, while in non-breeding periods, it adopts a more subdued appearance with greyish-brown feathers.
- Habitat: It prefers many types of shallow aquatic habitats, fresh of salt, natural or human made.
- Distribution:Â It is mainly found in Iran and east to Pakistan, India, Burma, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.Â
- Behavior
- They are semi-colonial breeders and sometimes form communal roosts, often in avenue trees over busy urban areas.
- They are known for their solitary and secretive nature,
- They are often seen standing motionless at the water’s edge, patiently waiting to ambush their prey.Â
- Diet: The primary food of these birds includes crustaceans, aquatic insects, fishes, tadpoles and sometimes leeches.
Conservation Status of Indian Pond Heron
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
- Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule IV.
Source: TH
Indian Pond Heron FAQs
Q1: What is the primary habitat of the Indian Pond Heron?
Ans: Wetlands
Q2: What is the conservation status of the Indian Pond Heron?
Ans: Least Concern
