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IUCN status: Least ConcernJavan Pond-Heron at a glance
The Javan Pond-Heron (Ardeola speciosa) is a bird in the family Ardeidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi. Diet: predator of small aquatic animals (small fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Ardeola speciosa |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Blekok |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi |
| Taxonomic group | Pelecaniformes |
| GBIF records | 12,470 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator of small aquatic animals (small fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans) · AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) — Probably most active in the morning and evening. · Javan Pond-Heron - Herons of the World, HeronConservation (IUCN SSC Heron Specialist Group) |
In this guide (12)
What is the Javan Pond-Heron?
Javan Pond-Heron refers to Ardeola speciosa, in the genus Ardeola, family Ardeidae, and order Pelecaniformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Javan Pond-Heron?
The Javan pond-heron forages in shallow freshwater and coastal wetlands, taking small fish, insects and crabs.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Javan Pond-Heron?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 12,470 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Javan Pond-Heron?
Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Javan Pond-Heron with Little Egret, Purple Heron, Striated Heron. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Javan Pond-Heron
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardeola |
| Species | Ardeola speciosa |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Javan Pond-Heron
What is the scientific name of the Javan Pond-Heron?
The scientific name of the Javan Pond-Heron is Ardeola speciosa, in the family Ardeidae and the order Pelecaniformes. In Indonesian it is called Blekok.
What kind of animal is the Javan Pond-Heron?
The Javan Pond-Heron is a bird in the family Ardeidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator of small aquatic animals (small fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans).
Where does the Javan Pond-Heron live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Javan Pond-Heron summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Javan Pond-Heron eat?
The Javan Pond-Heron is a predator of small aquatic animals (small fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022).
How does the Javan Pond-Heron reproduce?
The Javan Pond-Heron reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the Javan Pond-Heron nocturnal?
The cited source records the Javan Pond-Heron as diurnal (active by day). Probably most active in the morning and evening. Source: Javan Pond-Heron - Herons of the World, HeronConservation (IUCN SSC Heron Specialist Group).
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Javan Pond-Heron?
Scientific classification of the Javan Pond-Heron: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Pelecaniformes, family Ardeidae, genus Ardeola, species Ardeola speciosa.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Javan Pond-Heron endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Javan Pond-Heron is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Javan Pond-Heron is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- Javan Pond-Heron - Herons of the World, HeronConservation (IUCN SSC Heron Specialist Group) ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Javan Pond-Heron (Ardeola speciosa). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ardeola-speciosa/