Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Indian pond heron
Scientific name: Ardeola grayii
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: ARDEIDAE
Group: Birds
Shyness: Very shy
Safe distance: 50 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 01.04-31.08
Gestation: 21–24 jours
Births: 35–40 jours
Habitat:
Freshwater wetlands, rice paddies and riverbanks
Description:
The Indian pond heron is a small heron of about 45 cm, with buff-brown plumage and white flight feathers visible in flight. It inhabits freshwater wetlands, rice paddies and riverbanks, standing motionless before striking fish, amphibians and insects with a quick bill thrust. During breeding, it builds a stick nest in waterside shrubs and the male performs courtship displays by raising neck feathers.
Recommended lens:
>=400 mm
Photography tips:
Sit motionless at water's edge, preferably at sunrise or sunset, and anticipate its burst-hunting; use a fast shutter speed and shallow depth of field to freeze the bird against the water reflection.
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