These large birds are light gray with a very defined black back and crown. Adults have a black bill and red eyes and often spend time perched on tree limbs or wandering in foliage or wetlands. They will forge during the evening or at night as they look to avoid competition with other herons. They are opportunistic feeders and will feed on terrestrial and marine animals such as frogs, fish, and lizards. The male will make the nest in a safe area such as trees out of found materials including sticks and twigs. Once he has found a mate the maintenance is passed to the female who finishes the construction. Roughly 3-5 eggs are laid and are incubated for 24-26 days by both the male and female. After the chicks hatch they are in the nest for a month before venturing out and learning to fly at 6 weeks.