Scientific Name: Ardeola grayii
Malay Name: Pucung-Padi Kelabu
Chinese Name: 印度池鹭
Range:
Found from the Persian Gulf, Indian subcontinent to the Maldive Islands and winter to the Thai-Malay Peninsula.
Taxonomy:
Monotypic.
Size: 45 cm
Identification:
Indistinguishable from other pond-heron species when in non-breeding and juvenile plumage. Adult in breeding plumage has distinctive brownish-buff head, neck and breast with long white head-plumes, whitish throat and dark brownish-maroon mantle and scapulars.
Similar looking species: Chinese Pond Heron, Javan Pond Heron
Habitat: Various wetlands like streams, marshes, ponds and open wooded areas.
Behaviour/Ecology: Diet comprises fish, frogs, crustaceans and insects.
Local Status: Rare migrant
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)
Location: The two recent sightings were at Pasir Ris Farmway 3 (April 2012) and Bidadari (April 2015).
Photos:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Ardeola grayii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. Downloaded on 2 September 2021
Robson, C. (2008). A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. New Holland Publishers.