The Malayan night heron is about 48 cm (19 in) long.
The wingspan is about 86 cm (34 in).
It is stocky, with a short beak.
Its neck and breast are rufous.
There are streaks going down the centre of the neck to the breast.
The upperparts are chestnut and vermiculated.
The flight feathers are blackish.
The crown is black, the chin is white, and the eyes are yellow.
The beak is black and the legs are greenish.
The juvenile is greyish to rufous and is spotted and vermiculated.
The Malayan night heron is about 48 cm (19 in) long. The wingspan is about 86 cm (34 in). It is stocky, with a short beak. Its neck and breast are rufous. There are streaks going down the centre of the neck to the breast. The upperparts are chestnut and vermiculated. The flight feathers are blackish. The crown is black, the chin is white, and the eyes are yellow. The beak is black and the legs are greenish. The juvenile is greyish to rufous and is spotted and vermiculated.
Malayan night heron