Page 82 - Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

BITTERNS AND HERONS
Order Ciconiiformes Family Ardeidae Species Egretta garzetta
Little Egret lacks head
bluish on face
and back
angular
shape plumes
all-white slim blackish
withdrawn head plumage bill
snaky neck
slightly
bowed
wings
pointed
SUMMER breast
fan of plumes
IN FLIGHT plumes
over tail WINTER
black legs

yellow feet (may be
discoloured by mud)
SUMMER

teadily spreading northwards
S in western Europe, the Little Egret is a sparkling FLIGHT: direct, quick, with head withdrawn, legs
white heron of marshes, poolsides, and coasts. It is trailing, wings only slightly bowed.
often lively, dashing about muddy creeks or even over
seaweed-covered rocks in a frenzied fashion; however,
like other herons, it spends much time standing still or
wading in shallows, looking for prey. Little Egrets are
often found in small, loose feeding flocks; they tend to
form evening roosts in traditional spots, and these
attract birds from far afield.
VOICE Generally silent.
NESTING Stick nest in tree, often mixed with those
of other heron-like species; 3 or 4 eggs; 1 brood;
April–July.
FEEDING Catches small fish, frogs, snails, and other SOCIAL FEEDING
wetland animals; may run around with flapping wings, In areas where Little Egrets are common, small groups of these birds often
or move more stealthily. feed together, or spread more loosely along a shore.
OCCURRENCE SIMILAR SPECIES
Found in S Europe, north to
S Great Britain, on watersides GREAT WHITE EGRET much CATTLE EGRET
see p.81
see p.78
from rocky coasts to reedy lakes, bigger
but especially open, muddy or
sandy shores. Breeds in treetop stockier
colonies, often with other herons shorter,
paler bill
and egrets. longer legs
with dark
Seen in the UK
feet
J F M A M JJ A S O N D
Length 55–65cm (22–26in) Wingspan 88–106cm (35–42in) Weight 400–600g (14–21oz)
Social Small flocks Lifespan Up to 10 years Status Secure
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