A small heron commonly found in various aquatic habitats throughout the Indian subcontinent. In breeding plumage, adults display a dark reddish-brown back that contrasts with a yellowish head, neck, and breast. Outside of the breeding season, they closely resemble nonbreeding Chinese Pond-Herons. In flight, adults appear surprisingly white due to their strikingly white wings, underparts, and tail. Although usually solitary, they often congregate in large numbers where food is abundant. They are known for seasonal local movements and occasional vagrancy.