Adult Striated Herons are small herons (45 cm) that have a blue-grey back and wings, white underparts, a black cap and short yellow legs. 
A dark line extends from the bill to under the eye.
Juveniles are browner above and have long streaks on the chest.
These birds usually stand still at the water's edge and wait to ambush prey.

In Australia, there are two colour morphs. 
The grey morph as we known it from other parts of the world, and the rufous morph which occurs in North Queensland.
The rufous morph is a much darker bird and has rich rufous or cinnamon brown underparts.

An adult, rufous morph. Centenary Lakes, Cairns Botanical Garden, Cairns, Queensland, Australia, 3 November 2022