| Javan Pond Heron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Pelecaniformes |
| Family: | Ardeidae |
| Genus: | Ardeola |
| Species: | Ardeola speciosa |
The Javan Pond Heron (Ardeola speciosa) is a southeast Asian species of pond heron.
Description[]
The Javan Pond Heron is a small, stocky heron with a maximum length of 45 cm. In winter plumage, the head is olive-brown or yellow-brown, covered in stripes. The black-tipped beak is yellow, lighter on the upper side with a bluish base. The back is brown, and the tail and wings are white. The legs are pale greenish-yellow in color. In general, the bird is very similar to the Chinese Pond Heron or the Indian Pond Heron. In the mating season, birds have a brownish-yellow head, neck and crest, where on the neck, there are more orangish tones. At the bottom of the neck, reddish feathers form a gradient collar, and elongated gray-black back feathers extend to the end of the tail. The female and the male are similar. Young birds look like sexually mature birds in winter plumage.
Behavior[]
The Javan Pond Heron breeds from June to September. It nests in small colonies, often together with other heron species. It is considered a migratory bird. It feeds on small fish, crustaceans and insects. In order to catch them, it lurks almost motionlessly and then quickly slams its beak.
Distribution and Habitat[]
Javan Pond Herons inhabit the mangroves and swamps of southeast Asia.