Chinese vs Javan Pond Heron

[Eric Patdu]

Been wanting to ask this for a very long time. ;D

I'm curious as to what is the diagnostic feature or distinguishing feature of the Chinese Pond Heron that takes it apart from the Javan. I know that they can be readily distinguished from each other in breeding plumages, but, how can you tell them apart in non-breeding plumage as seen in the recent photos of the CPH?

Thanks for the inputs. ;D

[Romy Ocon]

I don't think it's easy to distinguish a Javan PH from a Chinese PH, both in non-breeding plumage, just by looking at photos or by viewing them "in bird," Eric.

The KG say the CPH has darker tips to primaries. This feature, together with the traditional range of the JPH (southern Philippines), made me give my photos of this bird from Candaba a CPH ID, as I need to place the bird ID in my galleries. This is not a bullet-proof ID though, hence I'm labeling the ID as provisional in my recent captures.

[Eric Patdu]

Thanks for the clarification Master Romy.

[Adri Constantino]

Yup, Chinese Pond-Herons are very difficult to distinguish from Javan Pond-Herons when in non-breeding plumage and in the field. And there has been recent records that the Javan Pond Herons' range have been expanding and according to Arne Jensen, most reported Chinese Ponds in Luzon are actually Javans! So unless, you get it in breeding plumage (I think Romy has Chinese Pond Heron in breeding plumage in his older galleries) it will be a difficult ID job!

Adri

[Agerico M. De Villa]

To be sure, we really have to see how its breeding plumage turns out. This is the surest way for now. By the second or third week of March, it should be obvious. Cheers!