Stately. Usually solitary. Wades in water or stalks in damp grass. Flies with neck folded. Slow and steady wingbeats and trailing legs. White spots on carpel wing joint prominent in flight. Feeds on insects, crustaceans, marine animals, fish. Loud, deep, single or double 'croak' when alarmed.

Found in shallow inland freshwater lakes, wetlands or wet grassy areas. Occasionally coastal mudflats.