Chinese Pond Heron

Scientific Name: Ardeola bacchus
Malay Name: Pucung-Padi Cina
Chinese Name: 池鹭

Range:
Found from the Indian subcontinent, China to Japan and winter to Southeast Asia.

Taxonomy:
Monotypic.

Size: 45-52 cm

Identification:
Indistinguishable from other pond-heron species when in non-breeding and juvenile plumage. Adult in breeding plumage has distinctive chestnut-maroon head, head-plumes, neck and upperbreast, white underparts and blacklish-slate mantle and scapulars.

Similar looking species: Indian Pond Heron, Javan Pond Heron

Habitat: Various wetlands like streams, marshes, ponds and open fields.

Behaviour/Ecology: Diet comprises fish, frogs, crustaceans and insects.

Local Status: Uncommon migrant

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)

Location: Pasir Ris Farmway 3, Lorong Halus, Bidadari, Bishan Park, Labrador Park, Kranji Marsh, Pasir Ris Park and other suitable habitats.

Photos:

Chinese Pond Heron at Marina East Drive. Photo credit: Francis Yap

Chinese Pond Heron in breeding plumage at Pasir Ris Farmway 3. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Chinese Pond Heron in breeding plumage at Pasir Ris Farmway 3. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Presumably a Chinese Pond Heron in the initial stage of moulting to breeding plumage at Pasir Ris Farmway 3. Photo credit: See Toh Yew Wai

External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Chinese Pond-Heron)

References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Ardeola bacchus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22697133A93600684.en. Accessed on 19 December 2021

Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.