The black legs and contrasting yellow toes differentiate this species from any other white heron in the region. The bill is slender and black. It feeds by dashing to and fro in shallow water in persuit of prey. It ususally forages alone, and is only gregarious when breeding. Breeding birds have mauve lores and black eyes.
Juvenile and immatures resemble non-breeding adult.
Most freshwater situations; also along rocky coastlines and estuaries.
A harsh 'waaark'