This image features an Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii), a small, stocky bird commonly found near wetlands in the Indian subcontinent.
Appearance: In its non-breeding plumage, it has buff-brown streaks on its neck and a buff-brown back, allowing it to blend into its environment.
Behavior: It is a stealthy hunter often seen standing perfectly still in shallow water, waiting to ambush prey such as fish, frogs, and insects.
Habitat: These herons inhabit various aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, marshes, and even urban ponds.
Camouflage: At rest, its brown and white streaked feathers provide excellent camouflage, allowing it to go unnoticed until it takes flight.
Distinctive Features: It has a long, pointed bill that is yellow at the base, yellow eyes, and greenish-yellow legs.
Breeding vs. Non-breeding: The bird in your image appears to be in its non-breeding plumage, which is primarily buff or brownish with a streaked neck and breast.
Habitat: These birds are common across the Indian subcontinent and are typically found in marshy wetlands, ponds, lakes, canals, and paddy fields.
Diet: They are “patient hunters,” often waiting perfectly still at the water’s edge to ambush prey. Their diet includes small fish, frogs, aquatic insects, crustaceans, tadpoles, and occasionally leeches or land insects like crickets and dragonflies.
Nesting: They often nest in small colonies, sometimes alongside other wading birds, building stick platforms in large leafy trees or shrubs.