ExploreBirds

Javan Pond-Heron

Ardeola speciosa

The Javan Pond-Heron is a beautiful bird that loves to live near water. It has a special way of changing colors depending on the season, making it look different throughout the year!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Javan Pond-Heron has a remarkable plumage change. In breeding season, it sports a striking white body, a golden-buff head and neck, and a contrasting chestnut-maroon back. Outside breeding, it appears drabber, with a brown-streaked head and neck on a whitish body, blending into its watery surroundings. Its yellow legs remain constant.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyArdeidaeGenusArdeola
Javan Pond-Heron
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Javan Pond-Heron

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby Javan Pond-Herons are called "chicks" and are born without feathers.

Their sharp, pointed bill is like a perfect set of chopsticks for grabbing food!

These clever birds sometimes forage on floating vegetation like water hyacinths.

They often nest in colonies high in trees, even above busy streets!

Special abilities

Ability

Disappearing Act

Javan Pond-Herons can change their feather colors dramatically for camouflage or to attract a mate, helping them blend in or stand out.

Ability

Stillness Hunter

Javan Pond-Herons can stand perfectly still for long periods, which helps them surprise unsuspecting fish and insects in the water.

Ability

Flexible Fisher

Javan Pond-Herons have an incredibly flexible neck that allows them to strike quickly and accurately at fast-moving prey.

Measurements & details

Length
40-45 cm
Wingspan
75-85 cm
Weight
0.25-0.35 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
2-5
Incubation
18-20 days

Diet & Feeding

They mainly eat small aquatic creatures like fish and insects, using their sharp beak to catch them.

Primary Foods

  • small fish
  • aquatic insects
  • frogs
  • tadpoles
  • crabs
  • shrimp

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Guppy

Poecilia reticulata

a common small fish found in its wetland habitats.

hunts

Wandering Glider

Pantala flavescens

catches adult dragonflies and their larvae in flight or water.

hunts

Paddy Frog

Fejervarya limnocharis

preys on these common frogs found in rice paddies.

eaten by

White-bellied Sea-Eagle

Haliaeetus leucogaster

larger raptors may occasionally prey on adult or juvenile herons.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Javan Pond-Heron?

40-45 cm

What is Javan Pond-Heron's wingspan?

75-85 cm

How much does Javan Pond-Heron weigh?

0.25-0.35 kg

How long does Javan Pond-Heron live?

5-10 years

How fast can Javan Pond-Heron move?

35 km/h

What does Javan Pond-Heron eat?

They mainly eat small aquatic creatures like fish and insects, using their sharp beak to catch them.

Where is Javan Pond-Heron usually found?

Wetlands

How does Javan Pond-Heron hunt?

Ambush

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