It is commonly found on the north and west coasts of Madagascar but it is also present in the Comoro Islands and Mayotte.

The major threats the heron faces are poaching, habitat destruction, and the invasion of alien species such as the water hyacinth.

[6] Humblot's heron has a uniform dark gray plumage on its body and darker feathers on its forehead and chin.

There has been one recorded and accepted observation of the heron in mainland Africa, in a game reserve in Tanzania.

They forage on floating vegetation in clear, shallow water or in the ingoing and outgoing tides.

They are passive feeders, therefore they remain stationary for long periods of time, often hunched or with their neck extended over the water.

[10] The Humblot's heron's nest is mostly made of sticks and reeds and is approximately 50–70 cm (20–28 in) in diameter.

It is an irregular barking sound that lasts 0.5-1.0 s. Humblot's heron is also known to rattle its bill quietly while in its nest.

Additionally, due to the increasing human population in Western Madagascar, the wetlands where the heron nests are being transformed more and more into rice paddies.