Ardeola fossil map
Where fossils of Ardeola have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 0 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 0 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Prehistoric birds |
|---|---|
| Lived | 12.5–0.0117 million years ago (Serravallian to Late Pleistocene) |
| Periods | Neogene, Quaternary |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Named by | Boie 1822 |
| Fossil records | 3 occurrences at 3 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | United States, Seychelles, Jordan |
| Rock formations | txn:39541, Alachua |
About Ardeola
Pond herons (Ardeola) are herons, typically 40–50 cm (16–20 in) long with an 80–100 cm (30–40 in) wingspan. Most breed in the tropical Old World, but the migratory squacco heron occurs in southern Europe and the Middle East and winters in Africa. The scientific name comes from Latin ardeola, a small heron (ardea).
These pond herons are stocky species with a short neck, short thick bill, typically buff or brownish back, and coloured or streaked fore neck and breast. In summer, adults may have long neck feathers. Ardeola herons are transformed in flight, looking very white due to the brilliant white wings.
Their breeding habitat is marshy wetlands. They nest in small colonies, often with other wading birds, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. Two to five eggs are laid.
These herons feed on insects, fish and amphibians. They are often found on small ponds giving rise to the English name shared by most of the species.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Pond heron (revision 1336765927), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 23 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in. Wikidata: Q776739.
