Indian Pond Heron

The Indian Pond Heron or Paddybird (Ardeola grayii) is a small heron. It is of Old World origins, breeding in southern Iran and east to India,Burma, Bangladesh 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. 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 will close approach before taking to flight, a behaviour which has resulted in folk names and beliefs that the birds are short-sighted or blind

Fig. Indian Pond Heron

English Name :  Indian Pond Heron

Scientific Name: Ardeola grayii

Location : Buriganga river, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Date : 24.03.2013

Food and feeding

The Indian Pond Heron's feeding habitat is marshy wetlands. They usually feed at the edge of ponds but make extensive use of floating vegetation such as Water hyacinth to access deeper water. They may also on occasion swim on water or fish from the air and land in deeper waters.They have also been observed to fly and capture fishes leaping out of water.The primary food of these birds includes crustaceans, aquatic insects, fishes, tadpoles and       

                                                                                       sometimes leeches (Herpobdelloides sp.)