Also known as the imperial heron, the white-bellied heron (Ardea insignis) is the second largest species of heron in the world, exceeded in size only by the goliath heron (Ardea goliath). This large, long-necked species is named for its white underbelly and wing linings.

The male white-bellied heron is very similar in appearance to the female, with a blackish head topped with a pale plume of feathers, and a brownish-grey body with grey wings, legs and feet. The chick differs from the adult in being white with a yellow underbelly, which lightens as the heron matures. The most outstanding feature of the white-bellied heron is its massive pointed bill, which measures about 15 to 18 centimetres in length.

The white-bellied heron has a loud, deep ‘ock ock ock ock urrrrrr’ call.