The little egret is a small, white bird that feeds on small fish and crustaceans. These magnificent birds were once a rare visitor but are now a resident species.
Little egret facts
Scientific name: Egretta garzetta
Family: Ardeidae
Diet: Fish
Size: 55-65cm with a 88-95cm wingspan
Weight: 350-550g
Lifespan: Five years
A little about little egrets
Once a visitor from the Mediterranean, there are now sustainable breeding populations of little egrets on our coasts and estuaries due to warming climates. They're more common in the south of England and Wales but are expanding their range further north.
Little egrets are social birds, frequently seen flying in flocks. However, individuals can become territorial over their feeding sites.
The little egret's long plumes were once considered more valuable than gold – one of the reasons populations plummeted in the 19th century.
Little egrets and our canals
This small white heron is a new phenomenon; it is a coloniser to the UK from the continent, only arriving in the late 1990s. Although little egrets are still a relatively rare sight on our waterways, climate change is driving these birds further north each year. Our canals, rivers, and reservoirs provide suitable habitats and feeding grounds for little egrets.
How to identify a little egret
The little egret is a slim, elegant bird with a black bill and white plumes on the head in the breeding season. They have long, black legs with bright yellow feet and are about 60cm tall.
What do little egrets eat?
Little egrets – like many water birds – are opportunists. Eating anything that fits in their bill, little egrets feast on fish, insects, amphibians, and even small mammals and other birds, like ducklings. They catch their prey on land and in shallow water, often running or shuffling their feet to disturb fish. Alternatively, they might stand still to ambush their unsuspecting prey.
How do little egrets breed?
In the breeding season, little egrets grow two long plumes on their heads. These plumes are tall and thin, about 15cm long, and were once highly sought after.
Little egrets breed in colonies with other water bird species. They make their platform-style nests from sticks high up in the trees and will lay between three and five blue-green eggs. After being incubated by both parents for three weeks, the young are born, fledging the nest after six weeks.
Where do little egrets live?
Little egret habitats vary from lake shores and reservoirs to canals, ponds, rivers, or even flooded land. They prefer open locations.
In the UK, the little egret is mostly seen on the southern coast, where it is both a breeding species and a winter visitor. However, they’re also spotted further north and to the east.
Tips to spot a little egret
The little egret is a rare but magnificent sight. To increase your chances of spotting a little egret, head to our more coastal canals or southern reservoirs, like the Brent Reservoir. They’re mostly silent but produce a harsh call when disturbed and can make croaking calls at their breeding colonies.
Other species to look out for
