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).

[1] 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.

They nest in small colonies, often with other wading birds, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs.

They are often found on small ponds giving rise to the English name shared by most of the species.