Javan Pond-Heron

The Javan Pond Heron is typically 45 cm long with white wings, a yellow bill with a black tip, yellow eyes and legs. Its overall colour is orange, slaty and white during mating season, and brown and flecked with white out of the mating season. The non-breeding plumage is similar to that of the Chinese and Indian Pond Herons and is virtually indistinguishable in the field. It breeds from June to September. It is migratory.

The Javan Pond-Heron is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

Still another choice is the Javan Pond-heron (see mpgoodey in the comments below, thanks!) which is similar to the Chiinese Pond-Heron, only it has orange buff head and neck grading into chestnut on lower neck and breast. This bird is thought to be a recent colonist of the Philippines but was only found on Mindanao. So whether this is a Javan Pond-Heron or a Chinese Pond-Heron, this would still be the first reported sighting of this bird on Panay Island and a lifer for me. More

Javan Pond-Heron at Kuala Salangor N.P., Malaysia. * * Add Video To Your Social Bookmarks Bookmark and Share Add comment - Something to say?.... More

Javan Pond-heron in breeding plumage - Scientific name: Ardeola speciosa Habitat: Ricefields and marshes Birdwatch note: Uncommon, found singly or in groups. All white wings, sexes alike. Passive feeder, stands and waits for prey at water edge. More