Chunky, mid-sized, blackish heron. The bill and legs are black and the feet are yellow. Found mainly in freshwater and brackish wetlands, though occasionally on saltwater. Famous for its “umbrella” feeding technique in which it hunts for food inside of its own spread and curled wings. Similar to the dark morph of other egret species, but smaller, shorter-necked, and without a pale patch at the base of the bill.