Indian pond heron or paddybird
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 the Indian subcontinent, Burma, 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 can be approached closely before they take to flight, a behaviour which has resulted in folk names and beliefs that the birds are short-sighted or blind.
Size: 4320px × 3456px
Location: Wilpattu National Park Area, NW Province, Wilpattu National Park 61300 Sri Lanka
Photo credit: © Niall Ferguson / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
Keywords: ardeola, ceylon, grayii, heron, india, indian, lanka, paddybird, pond, sri, wader, wilipattu, wilpattu
