Ranges throughout much of Australia, except the arid interior. It is also found in Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Melanesia.
The species can be observed around freshwater rivers, lakes, bulrushes, estuaries, harbours and in residential fishponds hunting for goldfish. Whilst its common name would indicate that it is a nocturnal hunter it is not strictly nocturnal, often feeding during the day. Dietary items small fish, reptiles, insects and occasionally bird eggs.
The species is a solitary hunter, but also can be gregarious, forming small colonies especially if food is scarce.
Atlas of Living Australia at Nankeen Night Heron Accessed 29 July 2020.
Birdlife Australia at http://birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/Nankeen-Night-Heron Accessed 27 July 2020.
Wikipedia. "Nankeen Night Heron." Last modified 8 July 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nankeen_night_heron