The Indian pond heron or paddybird is a small heron. It is of Old World origins, breeding in southern Iran and east to the Indian subcontinent, Burma, and Sri Lanka. They are widespread and 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.
Region
South Asia and adjacent West Asia
Typical Environment
Inhabits a wide range of lowland wetlands including village ponds, rice fields, marshes, canals, lakes, and mangroves. It also frequents urban parks and temple tanks, often roosting in trees near water. The species tolerates human presence and modified landscapes, thriving in agricultural mosaics. It is found from southern Iran through Pakistan and across the Indian subcontinent to Sri Lanka and western Myanmar.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Often called the paddybird, it blends remarkably well into its surroundings when perched, but flashes pure white wings when it takes flight. It commonly feeds along the edges of ponds, rice paddies, and urban water bodies, showing little fear of humans. During breeding, the head and neck become richer buff with fine plumes, and the legs may flush reddish.
When flushed the contrasting white wings flash into view
Usually hunched, they appear short necked
Pair at nest in Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Indian pond heron with bright red legs in breeding season
Large numbers in a drying pond
Temperament
solitary and patient
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flight over water
Social Behavior
Typically feeds alone or in loose proximity to other waders, standing motionless before spearing prey. Nests colonially, often with other herons, egrets, and cormorants in trees near water. Builds a flimsy stick platform; both sexes incubate and care for 3–5 eggs during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet; gives harsh, nasal squawks when flushed or at the colony. At roosts and nests it utters raspy croaks and grating calls, especially at dusk.
Plumage
Non-breeding plumage is streaked brown and buff above with pale underparts; in flight the wings appear strikingly white. Breeding birds show warmer buff tones on head and neck with fine filamentous plumes. Texture is smooth with compact contour feathers that aid camouflage when crouched.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small fish, tadpoles, frogs, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. It will also take worms and occasionally small reptiles or rodents. Uses a sit-and-wait strategy, making quick darts to seize prey with its sharp bill. Often follows receding water levels to exploit concentrated prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages along muddy or vegetated margins of ponds, rice paddies, marshes, and canals. Also hunts on exposed rocks and mudflats and in shallow urban lakes. Perches low on banks or structures near water to ambush prey.
