In Pics: Aaskote Bakulla

KATHMANDU: The Indian Pond Heron, also known as the Paddybird (Ardeola grayii) or Aaskote Bakulla in Nepali, is a tiny heron species.

This bird can be found in Iran’s south and India, Nepal, Burma, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka’s east.

They are ubiquitous and frequent but can be easily overlooked while stalking prey at the edge of tiny bodies of water or roosting close to human habitations.

When they lift off, their dazzling white wings contrast with the cryptic-streaked olive and brown colours of their bodies.

Their camouflage is so good that they can be approached near before taking flight, resulting in folk names and beliefs that the birds are short-sighted or blind.

These herons are abundant, although they can readily conceal themselves while hunting near tiny bodies of water or living near human areas.

Aaskote Bakulla lives in muddy wetlands. They prefer to reside near ponds. They can occasionally fly from the air to the sea or swim and land in deep water.

During the summer, these herons can be found grazing near bodies of water.

During the dry season, these birds migrate in search of wet grass. These herons can be found from east to west in Nepal.