Striated heron on a Victoria water lily, Pantanal, Brazil

Sailing solo. Striated heron on a Victoria water lily, Pantanal, Brazil

In the lush Pantanal wetlands of Brazil, a striated heron perches on a Victoria water lily. This water bird, also known as the mangrove heron, is over 40 centimetres tall. It is a master of patience, waiting to ambush its prey. It uses clever tactics, such as dropping feathers or insects to lure fish. Common in the wetlands of South America, the striated heron is also found in North America, Australia, Africa, Asia, New Guinea and the Pacific islands. The Victoria, or giant water lily, belongs to the genus of aquatic herbs, including species like Victoria amazonica and Victoria boliviana, which can boast leaves more than 3 metres in diameter. The Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, is a sanctuary for wildlife and offers an extraordinary glimpse into the natural world.

In the quiet edges of ponds across the Indian subcontinent, a smaller but no less intriguing heron quietly makes its presence known—the Indian pond heron. Also known as the paddybird, it is a small, elusive heron native to the Old World. Its breeding range stretches from southern Iran across the Indian subcontinent, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Despite being commonly found across these regions, the bird's camouflaged plumage and still posture often make it hard to spot.