What are the features of the Indian pond heron?

            The Indian pond heron is a very popular bird which is found wherever there is water, even if it is a temporary puddle. Only as large as a village hen, these birds are small, with short thick legs. The plumage is generally soil brown in colour. The head is dull yellowish with heavy dark streaks. The bill is yellow and has a dark tip.

            The Indian pond heron usually sits hunched in shallow water waiting for an aquatic prey, which is mostly a fish. This scene may give an impression that this bird is half-blind and many people does seriously believe that this is so. Although their food collection is a solitary business, these birds roost communally.

            Also, several birds may be in search of prey pretty close together. Their nest looks similar to that of a crow, made of twigs on top of large trees. They are not so strict about proximity to water bodies and can settle in the middle of towns and villages. Their nests may be re-used for many years.