The Indian pond heron (Ardeola grayii) is widely distributed across the island and is commonly seen in paddy fields. This small water bird has brown and white plumage, a short neck, and a stocky build. It spends much of its time standing in shallow water or at the water’s edge, searching for fish, frogs, or water insects to consume. This species often nests in colonies, sometimes alongside other wader species. It builds twig platforms in the higher branches of trees overhanging water, where it lays clutches of three to five eggs.