Which pond heron? Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo (1 Viewer)

[dixonlau]

Location: Lowland, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
Date: December 2022

I tried to id this bird but could not be sure. Currently, I suspected it could be either Chinese Pond Heron or Javan Pond Heron. Never seen one before, so it maybe other that I'm not aware of.

I had googled and understandable if hard to differentiate between Chinese & Javan when in nonbreeding plumage.

There were 2 birds in attached photos. Both perched quite near to eachother on same tree busy preening.

Bird #1

Bird #2

Appreciated for any help. Thanks.

 

[andyb39]

I think both are better left unidentified. I'm not aware of any consistent differences between the two in non-breeding plumage.

 

[dixonlau]

I think both are better left unidentified. I'm not aware of any consistent differences between the two in non-breeding plumage.

Thank you Andy. Indeed it is so at this non-breeding plumage state. Will leave it as just pond heron for the moment.