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The Chinese pond heron is a freshwater bird, one of six species of pond herons. They are medium-sized, stocky herons with a short neck, and short, thick bill. It is named after Bacchus, the god of wine, due to its colouring.
In breeding season male Chinese pond herons are white with long maroon plumes on the upper breast and dark grey plumes on the lower breast. The back is slate and covered with a veil of blue-black plumes that extend beyond the tail. The head is chestnut-coloured with white lores and sides. The bill is yellow with a black tip and blue base, the eyes are yellow, and the legs are dark pink. Females have less developed plumes and are paler overall.
In non-breeding plumage the plumage is brown olive-brown with white streaks. The head is golden brown with streaks and the legs are yellow.
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Chinese pond herons eat insects, fish, and crustaceans. It feeds by walking slowly or standing stalking its prey. It will sometimes dive from overhanging branches or forage in trees for flies.
Chinese pond herons are found in China, north east India, and Japan during breeding season. They inhabit paddy fields, swamps, fresh and saltwater ponds, and riverbanks. In winter it moves to Thailand, Malaysia, and Borneo.
