About 65-69cm in length, this is the most commonly seen Heron in Australia. In summer they are mostly found in southern and inland Australia, using the northern wetlands more as dry season refuge.

Using the 'wait, watch and stalk' hunting strategy, they forage over mud flats, shallow water, swamps and wet pastures. Crustaceans, squid, fish, insects, amphibians, spiders, snails and worms - just some of the prey these birds catch by shooting out their long S-shaped neck.

Breeding occurs most of the year, depending on food supply. The nest is a loose platform of sticks in a tree up to 20m above ground, but not necessarily near water.