This very small heron inhabits marshy, well-vegetated water bodies. Adults are a pale orangish-brown or yellow color, depending on the lighting, and have a narrow dark cap on their heads. Juveniles are darker on top with pale edges on their feathers. While they can blend into dense vegetation, they often make short flights; in flight, their dark flight feathers contrast with the pale yellowish wing coverts. Generally quiet, this heron may occasionally emit harsh, grating calls when disturbed.