Little egret

The little egret (Egretta garzetta) is similar to the grey heron in many respects, with the main differences being its colour and smaller size.

The little egret measures 55-65 cms (22-26 inches) in length. The plumage is uniformly white, with black bill and legs and yellow feet, these being especially noticeable in flight when the legs trail behind. The bird has a long neck. During the breeding season the little egret has two very long plumes behind the head as well as shorter ones on the breast and back. The head plumes are used for display at the nest.

The little egret is traditionally a migratory bird, wintering in central Africa and only appearing in the United Kingdom and Ireland during the summer. However, in recent years many pairs have over-wintered in the UK and also bred here. The range within the UK also appears to be spreading, with little egrets being seen much further north than had been the case previously.

The preferred habitat of the little egret is marshland with shallow water or riverbanks and tidal inlets. 

Little egrets feed on small fish, amphibians and aquatic insects. They feed by stirring the water with their feet to disturb their prey. 

The little egret has a leisurely flight with occasional glides. The neck folds back so that the held is held against the body, but the legs stick straight out behind.

The little egret is generally silent except during the breeding season, when various croaks and quacks can be heard. 

Although little egrets spend much their time in solitude, they tend to breed in colonies, building nests in trees, bushes or on the ground in reedbeds. A platform nest of sticks or reeds is built by both adults, who also cooperate in incubating the clutch of four or five eggs.

Hatching takes place after about three weeks, with the young being fed on regurgitated food by both parents. The chicks leave the nest after 30 days and explore the locality before they are ready to fly, which takes place after another two weeks or so.

© John Welford