Least Concern (LC)

58–66 cm in length; a medium-sized heron with a relatively long neck and legs. Occurs in dark slaty-grey and white plumage forms, with intermediate forms also occurring.

Mostly resident, with some populations showing local or seasonal movements.

No regular long-distance migration; some individuals may disperse locally after breeding.

In India, mainly April–August, corresponding with the monsoon period.

Coastal wetlands, particularly mangroves, reedbeds, bushes and small coastal islands; nests may also be placed on rocky ledges or boulders.

Mainly rocky and sandy shores, reefs, mudflats, estuaries, tidal creeks, lagoons and mangroves.

Mainly fish, crustaceans and molluscs; also takes insects, grubs, earthworms and other small aquatic or marine prey.