Regular, but rarely winter migrant.
Nesting on the increase: in 2006 more than 140 pairs in two separate colonies, (Torrile Wildlife Reserve and Zamorani Colony), in site IT4020017 “Area delle risorgive di Viarolo, Bacini di Torrile, Fascia golenale del Po”, 119 nesting pairs  in site IT4020018 “Prati e ripristini di Frescarolo e Samboseto”, 5 pairs in site IT4020025 “Parma Morta”.

Its excellent conservation status is due to the creation and maintenance of marshy areas "zone umide" and heron colonies. However, colonies are extremely localised which could make the population more vulnerable in the absence of alternative nesting sites. The intense concentration of the species in breeding sites of limited size makes it vulnerable to local adverse events and human pressure.