Malagasy Pond Heron
A species of Pond herons, Also known as Madagascar Squacco Heron Scientific name : Ardeola idae Genus : Pond herons
Malagasy Pond Heron, A species of Pond herons
Also known as:
Madagascar Squacco Heron
Botanical name: Ardeola idae
Genus: Pond herons
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Charley Hesse TROPICAL BIRDING 
Description
Malagasy pond herons grow to 45–5 cm (17.7–2.0 in) in height and anywhere from 250–350 g (0.55–0.77 lb) in weight. There is not a large variation in weight between the sexes as they are quite similar in bone body structure. feather, eye, and bill colour are determined by life stage (chick, juvenile, and adult) and reproductive status. The adults appearance can be split into the non-breeding plumage and the breeding stage. When the species is not breeding, the crown and the posterior are a colour mixture of buff and black with brown prominent over the other parts of the body. The bill is predominately green with a black tip whilst the iris is yellow. The flight feathers are clearly seen in flight and for the most part are white. The feathers on the lower mantle and upper scapulars are loosely structured and elongated. Moreover, the lower foreneck feathers are split into fine elongated tips which cover the upper breast. The primary difference of appearance in the breeding stage is the dominance of a snow white colour over the body a bill of a deep azure blue. When coming out of breeding, an intermediate plumage emerges on the back, and dense plumes sprouting on areas such as the neck and breast. Prior to adulthood, the Malagasy pond heron will possess a juvenile plumage just before leaving the nest, lasting a few weeks. The juvenile differs from the adult in having a dull orange bill and pale green eyes. The one distinguishing feature of the chick is its thick buff yellow down. 
Size
48 cm
Feeding Habits
Malagasy Pond Heron's diet is mainly fish, insects, and small invertebrates, occasionally including small reptiles like skinks and geckos. Feeding behavior varies by location; for instance, frogs are a rare component in some areas due to their absence.
Habitat
The malagasy Pond Heron typically inhabits shallow freshwater environments abundant with vegetation. These environments include marshes, lakes, ponds, and slow-flowing rivers, often accompanied by paddy fields. As a species adapted to forest habitats, the malagasy Pond Heron seeks shelter in trees when alarmed. It is commonly found along the banks of small streams during the non-breeding season and rarely ventures into coastal mudflats or mangrove areas.
Dite type
Piscivorous
General Info
Behavior
One of the key behavioural habits of the Malagasy pond heron is its yearly migratory pattern. It migrates from Madagascar to the eastern mainland of Africa in May and journeys back to its breeding range in October. Those that have not matured into adult life remain in the non-breeding areas, as there is no benefit in travelling to the breeding zone. In terms of interaction, this species is very territorial and communication with other rival birds is limited. As such, they will remain at least 10 m (33 ft) apart if nesting or in flight due to their inconspicuous nature. One observation found two Malagasy pond herons fighting, grasping at each other's bills in the motion of flight. In Africa, instances such as this are scarce as there is rarely more than two on the same body of water. Nesting tends to be done along the coast and foraging for food is performed well inland, away from the nests. In fact, the closest that an individual heron will get to another apart from breeding is during roosting in their nests. Habitat degradation has resulted in closer roosting and has become integrated with other heron species such as cattle egrets and squacco herons.
Distribution Area
The Malagasy pond heron is distributed throughout the east of Africa, in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia. They also range from the Seychelles to Madagascar although they are rare in the south of the latter. In Madagascar, they are mostly observed at Lake Alarobia and Tsimbazaza Park (both in Antananarivo), wetlands around Ampijoroa and at Berenty. As a result, their estimated area of occurrence is 553,000 km (214,000 sq mi). They occupy a broad range of Madagascan habitats that include small grassy marshes, lakes, ponds, streams, and rice fields. Those that populate the Aldabra region are commonly located in mangroves, inland pools, and lagoon shores. In the east of Africa it can inhabit fresh water marshes and streams of elevation levels up to 1,800 metres (5,900 ft). They are believed to inhabit anywhere from 11 to 100 locations in Madagascar and East Africa.
Species Status
The conservation status of the Malagasy pond heron has changed dramatically over the last 30 years. In 1988, this species was classified as near threatened according to IUCNs red list but changes to their habitat resulted in a move to the vulnerable category in 2000. Consequently, as a result of further population decline their status ever since 2004 has been endangered.
Photo By Charley Hesse TROPICAL BIRDING 
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Pelicans and Relatives Family
Herons Genus
Pond herons Species
Malagasy Pond Heron 
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