🌍 Squacco heron (Ardeola ralloides) The squacco heron is a compact species of heron known for its small size and distinctive appearance. A migratory bird, it breeds in southern Europe, south-west Asia, and parts of Africa, and overwinters in sub-Saharan Africa. It has pale buff or light brown feathers, streaked with darker markings, and a long, sharply-pointed bill. During breeding season (pictured), it develops long, ornamental plumes on its head, neck, and back. The squacco heron is primarily found in wetland habitats, such as marshes, swamps, and rice fields. It feeds on a variety of aquatic prey, including small fish, frogs, insects, and crustaceans. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1) 📷: Photo by MAKY_OREL via Pixabay https://pixabay.com/photos/heron-hairy-ardeola-ralloides-2461169/ HPLY

🌍 Squacco heron (Ardeola ralloides) #EuropeanBirds #AsianBirds #AfricanBirds | #SquaccoHeron #ArdeolaRalloides | #PondHerons #Herons #HeronFamily #WadingBirds #WaterBirds 📷: Photo by MAKY_OREL🦜 #birdsoftheworld #birds

Chinese pond heron (Ardeola bacchus). Adult. Distribution: China and adjacent temperate and subtropical East Asia. Conservation status: Least Concern. CC: ZGWH 📷: Photo by Erik_Karits via Pixabay 2020 The photo shows an adult heron in non-breeding plumage. These herons have brownish-gray upperparts and pale buff or white underparts. They lack the distinctive chestnut head and neck that is prominent during breeding season.

New addition! 🌏 Chinese pond heron (Ardeola bacchus) #Asianbirds | #ChinesePondHeron #PondHerons #Herons #GenusArdeola #FamilyArdeidae | #birds🦜 #BirdsOfBluesky