A breeding resident. A non-aquatic heron, this species is generally scarce in the Waterberg, occurring mostly in agricultural areas where there are irrigated croplands, mowed pastures or secondary grasslands (recorded in 27% of the Waterberg pentads); by contrast, on the intensively cultivated Springbok Flats to the south-east, it occurs widely and commonly; often attracted to veld fires where it preys on escaping insects and rodents. Breeds colonially, mostly in the winter months, at a few regularly used sites.