Region

Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar

Typical Environment

Occurs widely across sub-Saharan Africa, from West Africa through the Nile Valley to eastern and southern Africa, and also on Madagascar. It frequents shallow wetlands including marshes, floodplains, lagoons, rice paddies, and the edges of lakes and slow rivers. It uses seasonal and ephemeral wetlands after rains and may shift locally as water levels change. Roosts are typically in trees or dense reeds near water. It is generally absent from dense forest interiors and very arid regions away from surface water.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Temperament

generally shy but focused when foraging

Flight Pattern

steady, direct flight with measured wingbeats

Social Behavior

Often forages singly or in small loose groups, sometimes cooperating at productive sites. Breeds colonially, frequently in mixed heronries with other ardeids, placing stick nests over water in trees or dense reeds. Both parents incubate and feed the chicks, and nesting is timed to local water availability.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Usually quiet away from breeding sites, giving soft clucks and hisses while feeding. At colonies it utters harsher squawks and croaks during displays and territorial interactions.

Diet

Primarily small fish, supplemented by aquatic insects, tadpoles, and small crustaceans. It is renowned for its canopy-feeding: raising its wings to form a dome that reduces glare and lures fish into striking range. It also uses foot-stirring and quick jabs to flush and capture prey. Opportunistically takes other small aquatic organisms when available.

Preferred Environment

Shallow margins of lakes, ponds, marshes, floodplains, mangroves, and rice fields with calm, clear water. Prefers sites with firm substrates and abundant small fish, often near emergent vegetation or exposed mud.