Chinese Pond-Heron
NameChinese Pond-Heron
Common NameChinese Pond-Heron
Scientific NameArdeola bacchus
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)82.5
Length (cm)48.5
Weight (g)310
Plumage DetailsIn breeding plumage, the head, neck, and breast are a rich chestnut-red. The back is dark slate-grey, and the wings are dark slate-blue. The belly and undertail coverts are pure white. The bill is bicolored, yellowish-blue at the base with a black tip, and the legs are yellowish-orange. Non-breeding plumage is streaky brown with a duller bill and legs.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but may emit harsh, guttural croaks or squawks, especially when disturbed or during flight.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across East and Southeast Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, Indochina, and parts of India and Indonesia. It is a migratory species in some northern parts of its range, moving south for winter.
Identifying Featureschestnut head and neck (breeding plumage), dark slate back and wings (breeding plumage), white belly and undertail coverts, bicolored bill (yellowish-blue base, black tip), yellowish-orange legs, wading behavior in shallow water
Description
This medium-sized heron is often found wading in shallow waters, patiently stalking its prey. In breeding plumage, as shown, it displays striking chestnut, slate, and white coloration, making it quite distinctive among pond-herons. It is typically a solitary hunter but may gather in communal roosts.
