There is no question that Chinese Pond Heron is a small heron species, especially when compared to Great Egret (Ardea alba) and Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea). Chinese Pond Heron is brown in colour with streaks on head, neck and breast. In breeding season, feathers on its head and neck turn dark wine-red, while those on its back turn greyish blue and those on its belly turn white.