Although present all year, this is mainly a winter visitor. Its large size, distinctive shape and striking black, grey and white plumage enable easy identification. It is found near water where it stalks its prey of fish, frogs and insects, jabbing suddenly at the water to snare them. Nesting is often colonial, and it associates with other heron species when nesting and feeding. An occasional loud, raucous "wark" is sometimes uttered.
