Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii

Indian Pond Heron
Indian Pond Heron
The Indian Pond Heron is a small heron native to most of the Indian subcontinent and part of the Middle East and Indochina. Above is the adult breeding plumage, similar to that of the Javan Pond Heron (head/neck/chest a little paler) and the Chinese Pond Heron (much redder, darker). All three look very similar in non-breeding plumage, as does the Squacco Heron.
Indian Pond Heron
Indian Pond Heron
Indian Pond Heron
Although "pond herons", they are happy foraging in fresh or salt water.
Indian Pond Heron
Indian Pond Heron
Indian Pond Heron Photo in flight by Dr Harsha Vardhan Reddy.
Male and female have similar plumage. The non-breeding plumage is mainly brown with a streaky front and white belly.