Indian Pond Heron

The Indian pond heron or paddy bird is a small heron. They are common in India and usually forage alone. Their camouflage is great due to their cryptic streaked olive and brown body. They are, however, distinctive when they take off as they flash bright white wings.

 I spotted it searching food in the bushes near my house. It was singular and shy. I was able to spot it only when it moved. 

Indian pond herons primarily feed on aquatic insects, fishes, tadpoles and sometimes leeches. Outside wetlands, these herons feed on insects (including crickets, dragonflies and bees ). 




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