Indian pond Heron

The Indian pond heron or paddybird (Ardeola grayii) is a small heron ,breeding mostly in southern Iran and east of Pakistan, India, Burma, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

They are widespread and very much common but can be easily missed when they stalk prey at the edge of small water-bodies or even when they roost close to human habitations.

They are however distinctive when they take off with bright white wings flashing in contrast to the cryptic streaked olive and brown colours of the body.

Their camouflage is so excellent that they can be approached closely before they take to flight, a behaviour which has resulted in folk names and beliefs that the birds are short-sighted or blind.

The above photograph I clicked at Kochin dock in Kerala and I have tried to compile the data from various sources for my Blogger and Birder Friends to enrich knowledge base.

#PhotoBySiba