Pond herons (Ardeola) are herons, typically 40– long with an 80– wingspan. Most breed in the tropical Old World, but the migratory squacco heron occurs in southern Europe and the Middle East and winters in Africa. The scientific name comes from Latin ardeola, a small heron (ardea).[1] These pond herons are stocky species with a short neck, short thick bill, typically buff or brownish back, and coloured or streaked fore neck and breast. In summer, adults may have long neck feathers. Ardeola herons are transformed in flight, looking very white due to the brilliant white wings.
Their breeding habitat is marshy wetlands. They nest in small colonies, often with other wading birds, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. Two to five eggs are laid.
These herons feed on insects, fish and amphibians. They are often found on small ponds giving rise to the English name shared by most of the species.
| Image | Name | Common name | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ardeola grayii | Indian pond heron | southern Iran and east to Pakistan, India, Burma, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka | |
| Ardeola ralloides | Squacco heron | southern Europe, Greater Middle East and Africa | |
| Ardeola bacchus | Chinese pond heron | Breeds in eastern China, Japan and adjacent areas; spends non-breeding season in far southern China and southeast Asia | |
| Ardeola speciosa | Javan pond heron | Mainland Southeast Asia, the Sunda Islands and southern Philippines | |
| Ardeola idae | Malagasy pond heron | Breeds in Madagascar, Réunion and Seychelles; spends non-breeding season in eastern mainland Africa | |
| Ardeola rufiventris | Rufous-bellied heron | Africa: Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe | |