The smallest white heron in the region. At rest, it looks bittern-like but in flight shows all-white wings.
Juvenile and immature are browner on the mantle and more streaked below than adults, both not as heavily streaked as non-breeding or juvenile Malagasy Pond-Heron.
Vegetated margins of freshwater lakes, pans and slow-moving rivers. Skulks in long grass, sitting motionless for long periods.
Low-pitched, rattling 'kek-kek-kek'.