Pond heron
Indian pond heron (Ardeola grayii)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Ardeidae
Subfamily: Ardeinae
Genus: Ardeola
F. Boie, 1822
Type species
Ardea ralloides
Species

See text

Pond herons (Ardeola) are herons, typically 40–50 cm (16–20 in) long with an 80–100 cm (30–40 in) wingspan. Most breed in the tropical Old World, but the migratory squacco heron occurs in southern Europe and the Middle East and winters in Africa. The scientific name comes from Latin ardeola, a small heron (ardea).[1]

These pond herons are stocky species with a short neck, short thick bill, typically buff or brownish back, and coloured or streaked fore neck and breast. In summer, adults may have long neck feathers. Ardeola herons are transformed in flight, looking very white due to the brilliant white wings.

Their breeding habitat is marshy wetlands. They nest in small colonies, often with other wading birds, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. Two to five eggs are laid.

These herons feed on insects, fish and amphibians. They are often found on small ponds giving rise to the English name shared by most of the species.

Species

ImageNameCommon nameDistribution
Ardeola grayiiIndian pond heronsouthern Iran and east to Pakistan, India, Burma, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
Ardeola ralloidesSquacco heronsouthern Europe, Greater Middle East and Africa
Ardeola bacchusChinese pond heronBreeds in eastern China, Japan and adjacent areas; spends non-breeding season in far southern China and southeast Asia
Ardeola speciosaJavan pond heronMainland Southeast Asia, the Sunda Islands and southern Philippines
Ardeola idaeMalagasy pond heronBreeds in Madagascar, Réunion and Seychelles; spends non-breeding season in eastern mainland Africa
Ardeola rufiventrisRufous-bellied heronAfrica: Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe

References

  1. ↑ Jobling, James A (2010). The Helm Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names. London: Christopher Helm. p. 54. ISBN 978-1-4081-2501-4.


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