Javan Pond Heron Ardeola speciosa

The Javan Pond Heron is a small heron native to southeast Asia. Above is the adult breeding plumage, similar to that of the Chinese Pond Heron (darker red neck and chest with dark black back) and the Indian Pond Heron (light olive brown neck/chest with dark brown back). All three look very similar in non-breeding plumage, as does the Squacco Heron.

Although "pond herons", they are happy foraging in fresh or salt water.

Male and female have similar plumage. The non-breeding plumage is mainly brown with a streaky front and white belly.