Also tidal mudflats, sandbars and mangroves. Hunts by remaining motionless in shallow water and waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Flies with distinctive slow, labored wingbeats, trailing legs behind and head folded back on shoulders. May perch in trees. Most active just before dawn and at dusk.
Mating system is monogamous.
Displays more varied than those of egrets, but used less often and continue after pair-bond formation. Also occasionally in shrub, rarely on ground, rock ledge, coastal cliff. Large, flat, well made of interwoven sticks. Both sexes help with nest construction. Both sexes incubate.