This small heron is found in wet and open grassy habitats like flooded meadows and paddy fields. The adult male is unmistakable due to its uniformly bright rufous upperparts. Females and juveniles have a pale, streaked belly, dark streaks and spots on the wings and back, and are dark brown with some rufous tones on the upperparts. Females can be confused with the female Schrenck’s Bittern, as both can have light spots on the wings, but Schrenck’s Bittern has brighter, more solid white spots and a prominent dark crown which Cinnamon Bittern lacks. This heron typically makes dry, croaking clicks.