Chinese Pond-Heron

Ardeola bacchus

Often mistaken for an egret in flight due to its all-white wings, but the dark head separates it from any egret. This medium-sized heron is found across many different marshy habitats. Breeding adults have a chestnut head, neck, and breast, and a veil of bluish-black plumes over the white wings. Nonbreeding adults and juveniles are brown all over save for the white wings. In areas where the ranges of multiple pond-heron species overlap, nonbreeders and juveniles are best left unidentified.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Ardeola bacchus
Authority
(Bonaparte, 1855)
Order
Pelecaniformes
Family
Ardeidae
Genus
Ardeola

Range and habitat

Breeding range
OR : Assam (ne India) and n Myanmar through Russian Far East, Japan and s China
Non-breeding range
Andaman Is. e to Ryukyu Is. (s Japan) s to Greater Sundas
Migration
Complete migrants

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Blue-throated Piping-Guan

Blue-throated Piping-Guan

Pipile cumanensis

Large, lanky, black and white bird of lowland rainforest. Note the bare, white face and white wing patches, which really stand out in flight. Crown and nape are also mostly white, but also streaked with buff. It has a fleshy throat patch that is typically blue, but it may be gray or black on some birds. Mostly arboreal, but sometimes descends to the ground to feed or drink. Song, often given at dawn or dusk, is a rising series of clear whistles. Occasionally rattles its wings loudly in flight.

Green-headed Oriole

Green-headed Oriole

Oriolus chlorocephalus

Old World oriole with mostly yellow plumage, a dull-green hood, and a red bill. Found in forest, forest edge, lush woodland, and adjacent secondary habitats, at low and middle elevations. Song is a series of slurred, liquid whistles, and calls include a raspy, up-slurred whine. Similar to African Black-headed Oriole, but with a good view, easily separated by the green rather than black hood. Often found in the same areas as Eurasian Golden and African Golden Orioles, but distinguished by being hooded rather than yellow-headed.

Spotted Barbtail

Spotted Barbtail

Premnoplex brunnescens

A small dark bird that creeps around mossy forest understory, frequently hanging upside-down like a nuthatch. Overall dark brown with warm buffy throat and spotting down the chest. Sexes alike. Combination of dark plumage, behavior, and spotting render this species distinctive. Found singly or in pairs, often following a mixed flock through the forest. Listen for its fast, descending, tinkling trill.

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.