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Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

A snow-white heron with wispy plumes and yellow feet, this graceful wader is making a comeback across wetlands worldwide.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Little Egret is a striking, medium-sized heron with pure white plumage. It has a slender dagger-like black bill, long black legs, and yellow feet.

During the breeding season, adults develop long, filamentous plumes on the crest, back, and chest.

Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but may have duller legs and feet. Both sexes are similar in appearance, with females slightly smaller on average than males.

Size

Length

55cm to 65cm

Wingspan

88cm to 106cm

Weight

350g to 550g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

White

Secondary Colour

Black

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black Yellow

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Little Egret is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Little Egret is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Little Egret can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Little Egret can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Little Egret is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Little Egret is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Little Egret is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Little Egret is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Little Egret is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Little Egret is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Little Egret is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Little Egret is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Little Egrets inhabit a wide range of wetland habitats, including coastal lagoons, estuaries, tidal mudflats, and inland freshwater bodies. They are found across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

In recent decades, their range has expanded northward in Europe. They are now regular visitors to the UK, with established breeding populations along southern and eastern coasts (Norfolk is an excellent area for spotting), and are occasionally seen in eastern North America.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Tropical, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Little Egret. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season
Aruba Gibraltar Guam Micronesia Northern Mariana Islands Saudi Arabia Slovenia
Species that pass through the area during migration
Afghanistan Denmark Palestine

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Little Egret demonstrates considerable agility in its foraging techniques, employing various hunting methods and actively chasing small fish. Its ability to wade through shallow waters and use its feet to stir up prey indicates good manoeuvrability.

Strength 60

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst not exceptionally strong, the Little Egret possesses adequate strength for its size. It can carry nesting materials and defend its territory during breeding season. However, its slender build suggests it's not among the strongest of birds.

Adaptability 85

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Little Egrets show remarkable adaptability, having expanded their range significantly in recent decades. They inhabit various wetland habitats and adjust their diet based on local food availability. Their ability to thrive in different climates further demonstrates their adaptiveness.

Aggressiveness 50

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Generally social birds, Little Egrets become territorial during breeding season. They're not known for exceptional aggression, but will defend their nests and young. Their moderate aggression is typical for their family.

Endurance 70

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Little Egrets display good endurance, capable of long-distance migrations and spending considerable time wading and foraging. Their ability to adapt to various climates and habitats suggests decent stamina, though they're not known for exceptional feats of endurance.

Diet

Little Egrets primarily feed on small fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates. They also consume crustaceans, molluscs, and insects.

Their diet varies seasonally and geographically, adapting to local food availability. They often use their feet to stir up sediment, flushing out hidden prey and may half-run-half-fly in pursuit of prey in the shallows.

Behaviour

Little Egrets are often seen wading in shallow water, using their feet to stir up prey. They employ various hunting techniques, including standing still and waiting for prey or actively chasing small fish.

These birds are generally social, often roosting and feeding in groups, but become territorial during the breeding season.

Vocalisation

Little Egrets are generally quiet birds. During the breeding season, they produce various croaking and gurgling sounds at the colony.

When alarmed, they may emit a harsh, guttural 'ark' call. In flight, they occasionally make a soft 'kuik' sound. They also call when landing and while feeding and are frequently heard as they take off after being disturbed.

Nesting & Breeding

Little Egrets typically breed in colonies, often with other heron species. Pair formation begins in spring, with elaborate courtship displays involving head-bobbing and plume-raising.

Nests are stick platform structures usually built in trees or shrubs near water. Females lay 3-5 pale blue-green eggs, and both parents share incubation duties.

Eggs hatch after about 21-25 days. Chicks are altricial and fledge at approximately 40-45 days, becoming independent shortly after.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While the Little Egret is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces localised threats from habitat loss and degradation, particularly in wetland areas. Climate change may affect its distribution.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats, which benefit this species and many other water birds.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

660,000 - 3,150,000 individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Little Egrets in shallow waters of coastal areas, estuaries, and inland wetlands
  • Observe their distinctive yellow feet, which contrast with their black legs
  • Watch for their active foraging behaviour, including foot-stirring to flush out prey
  • In the UK, they are increasingly common along southern and eastern coasts

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

White Heron

Family:

Ardeidae

Average Lifespan

15 to 20 years

Predators

Main predators include large birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks, as well as mammals like foxes and raccoons, particularly targeting eggs and chicks.

Did You Know?

  1. Little Egrets were once hunted extensively for their plumes, which were used in the fashion industry.
  2. They have rapidly expanded their European range over the past few decades.
  3. Their yellow feet may act as a lure to attract fish in murky water.

FAQs

Do you get Little Egrets in Scotland?

Little Egrets remain relatively uncommon in Scotland, although they are becoming increasingly numerous. These birds are a regular sight at places like the Montrose Basin and Solway Firth.

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2016. Egretta garzetta. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T62774969A86473701.

    View source
  2. 2 3

    report, 2006: Wetlands International

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