The Indian Pond Heron or Paddybird

Description:

The Indian Pond Heron or Paddybird (Ardeola grayii) is a small heron. 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 will close approach before taking to flight

Habitat:

They are of Old World origins, breeding in southern Iran and east to India, Burma, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.They are very common in India, and are usually solitary foragers but numbers of them may sometimes feed in close proximity during the dry seasons when small wetlands have a high concentration of prey. They are semi-colonial breeders.

Notes:

This is in non-breeding plumage, found in Alathur, Palakkad District, Kerala, India