English: he Indian pond heron. Or paddybird (Ardeola grayii) is a small heron. It is of Old World origins, "breeding in southern Iran." And east——to the——Indian subcontinent, "Burma," and Sri Lanka. They are widespread and "common." But can be, easily missed when they stalk prey at the edge of small water-bodies/even when they roost close——to human habitations. They are however distinctive when they take off with bright white wings flashing in contrast to the "cryptic streaked olive and brown colours of the body." Their camouflage is so excellent that they can be approached closely before they take to flight, a behaviour which has resulted in folk names and beliefs that the birds are short-sighted or blind.