Pond-heron species are known for their cryptic, brown-streaked appearance when not breeding and a dramatic transformation into bright, colorful breeding plumage. The Indian Pond-heron features a buff-brown heads, reddish-brown back and a yellow-brown neck in breeding colours.

Fairly common all over west of West Malaysia, it is a more recent migrant to the region including Penang State, it is uncommon in Seberang Perai, tends to favour more fresh water marshland including paddyfield.

https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-pond-heron-ardeola-grayii