Least Concern

Medium-sized egret, about 55–65 cm long with a wingspan of 88–106 cm. Slender white heron with black legs, yellow feet, and a black bill. In breeding plumage, it shows long plumes on the nape, breast, and back.

Resident and partially migratory across its range — populations in temperate regions migrate south in winter.

Northern populations migrate to Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia during winter; tropical populations are resident year-round.

Varies by region — typically March to September in India.

Colonial nester, often with other herons and cormorants; builds stick nests in trees, shrubs, or reedbeds near water.

Found in freshwater and coastal wetlands, including lakes, marshes, rivers, mudflats, and estuaries. Frequently seen in paddy fields and shallow ponds.

Feeds mainly on fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and insects, often using active stalking and foot-stirring techniques to flush out prey.