Adult male nankeen night herons give a "qu-arck" sound when departing their roost at night, while females and juvenile nankeen night herons give a higher pitched "qu-ook" sound. When disturbed during roosting, the heron gives a short, deep "quock". The nankeen night heron gives a hoarse, croaking "quok" when in flight, and a harsh croak sound while feeding in a group. The threat call of the bird is a "rok" sound and is used when in aggregations. Nankeen night heron chicks are described to beg with a "kak-kakkak" call in their first two weeks, in order to obtain the attention of their parents for feeding. They also squawk as they dispute among themselves. After leaving their nest, during the period when they are still flightless, young nankeen night herons utter a noisy high-pitched screech when alarmed.