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  1. Species
  2. ›
  3. Ardeidae
  4. ›
  5. Ardeola
  6. ›
  7. Javan Pond Heron

BirdUp · Species

Javan Pond Heron

Ardeola speciosa(Horsfield, 1821)

Conservation status: Least ConcernOrigin: Native
Order
PELECANIFORMES
Family
Ardeidae
Genus
Ardeola

At a glance

The Javan Pond Heron, listed as Least Concern and native to Australia. It can be seen year-round.

Conservation status
Least Concern
Origin
Native
Best seen
Year-round
Commonness
Local
  • Identification
  • Where
  • When

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The Javan pond heron is a wading bird of the heron family, found in shallow fresh and salt-water wetlands in Southeast Asia. Its diet comprises insects, fish, and crabs.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field specs

Wingspan
80 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

  • Maintains a characteristic low-slung, hunched posture while stationary, making it appear much more compact than most other herons.

flight

  • In flight, the bird reveals surprisingly bright, entirely white wings and tail, which contrast heavily with its otherwise streaked or dark body.

plumage

  • Breeding adults show a distinctive golden-buff head and neck that contrasts sharply with a dark, slaty-black back and mantle.
  • In non-breeding plumage, note the heavily camouflaged brown body covered in white streaks and a yellow bill with a conspicuous black tip.

size_and_shape

  • Often appears stocky and short-necked when perched, with a heavy-chested silhouette and a relatively thick, sturdy bill.

voice

  • Usually silent, but emits a harsh, croaking 'kwar' or 'pe-ok' call when suddenly flushed or disturbed.

03 · When

When to look

When can you see a Javan Pond Heron?

The Javan Pond Heron is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

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02 · Where

Where to find it

Where does the Javan Pond Heron live in Australia?

The Javan Pond Heron is native to Australia, recorded across 2 of Australia’s bioregions.

BreedingThailand through Philippines, Sulawesi region and Lesser Sundas

Non-breedingRare vagrant to Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and the coast of Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Distribution from BirdUp Australia community data

Legend

  • Vagrant
  • Non-breeding

2 regions recorded