Pond herons (Ardeola) areherons, typically 40–50 cm (16–20 in) long with an 80–100 cm (30–40 in) wingspan. Most breed in the tropicalOld World, but themigratorysquacco heron occurs in southern Europe and the Middle East and winters in Africa. Thescientific name comes fromLatinardeola, a small heron (ardea).^[1]

Pond heron
Indian pond heron (Ardeola grayii)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Pelecaniformes
Family:	Ardeidae
Subfamily:	Ardeinae
Genus:	Ardeola F. Boie, 1822
Type species
Ardea ralloides
Species
See text

Thesepond herons are stocky species with a short neck, short thick bill, typically buff or brownish back, and coloured or streaked fore neck and breast. In summer, adults may have long neckfeathers.Ardeola herons are transformed in flight, looking very white due to the brilliant white wings.

Their breedinghabitat is marshy wetlands. They nest in small colonies, often with other wading birds, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. Two to fiveeggs are laid.

These herons feed on insects,fish and amphibians. They are often found on small ponds giving rise to the English name shared by most of the species.