Squacco Heron A. ralloides / Indian Pond Heron A. grayii

References:

Jiguet (2006) Alula Vol. 12

Squacco Heron

- The loral area has clear yellow skin with no evidence of dark streaking linking the eye to the bill-base, this is a diagnostic feature in separating non-breeding Squacco Herons from non-breeding Indian Pond Herons.

- The neck-streaking of Squacco Heron is also less obvious than on Indian Pond Heron.

- The back of non-breeding birds shows a generally paler mantle than in Indian Pond Heron, but this is not a diagnostic feature as Squacco Heron in non-breeding plumage can have a particular dark mantle.

Dubai Pivot Fields, 22.10.2006

Al Warsan Lakes, 18.01.2008

Indian Pond Heron

- The loral area has yellow skin with dark streaking linking the eye to the bill-base, this is a diagnostic feature in separating non-breeding Squacco Herons from non-breeding Indian Pond Herons. The dark streaks often forms a V-like mark pointing to the bill on the lores, surrounded by a neat elongated yellow stripe (see photo below).

- The neck-streaking of Indian Pond Heron is bolder than on Squacco Heron, especially obvious on the neck-sides.

- The back of non-breeding birds shows a generally darker mantle than in Squacco Heron, but this is not a diagnostic feature as some Squacco Herons in non-breeding plumage can have a particular dark mantle.

Note the dark lorak streaks forming a V from above and below the eye, meeting at the base of the bill.

Khor Kalba, 20.11.2006

This bird has a very thin, but distinct black line from the eye to the base of the bill.

Safa Park, December 2006

Khor Kalba, 20.11.2006

Khor Kalba, February 2005

References:

Jiguet (2006) Alula Vol. 12