Adult bird: A large brown wading bird intricately patterned with white "dots and dashes." Long bill is somewhat decurved. Olive legs. Named for its limping gait. Loud piercing cries are heard at night or sometimes on cloudy days. Fond of Apple Snails.

Breeding adult: No significant change.

Immature bird: Similar to adult, but plumage and bill paler in color.

Similar species: Yellow-crowned and Black-crowned Night-Heron.

Habitat: Freshwater marshes and wooded swamps.

Breeding: In Florida, January-December

Text by Mary Jean Rogers, West Volusia Audubon.