Description: Little Egret standing in a grassy field. The bird is facing to the left of the frame. The background is mixed green grasses.
The Little Egret is a small heron with white plumage, a black bill and black legs.
The Little Egret is a small white heron that has become a very familiar sight around the southern coasts of the UK. It is not too long ago that a LIttle Egret was considered a rarity in England. Over the past 40 years, the range has increased northwards from its Mediterranean roots.
Mainly found in coastal wetlands and river estuaries, the Little Egret is easily identifiable, having the classic heron shape of a long neck, long legs, and a long pointed bill. The key identifying features are the yellow feet and black bill. During the breeding season, two long white plumes grow from the crown. In flight, the neck is pulled close to the body and the legs trail out behind. At these times, the yellow feet may be seen (although they may sometimes be covered in mud). As they fly off, they often call out with a harsh ‘graak’.
The Little Egret hunts by sight, searching for small fish and crustaceans. It uses various techniques, sometimes standing still with neck extended, at other times walking slowly through shallow water, always watchful for movement. It stirs up the sediment by trembling a foot to disturb prey. Once found, the bird darts forward to catch it in its dagger-like bill. It is fascinating to watch these birds hunting.
Usually, they forage alone but when food is abundant, several birds will gather. However, they appear intolerant of each other and if birds get too close one will chase the other away.
Found year-round, Little Egrets roost communally in trees. It always seems odd to see these sizeable birds standing on tree branches.
Little Egrets may be confused with Great White Egrets or Cattle Egrets, which are the other white herons found in the region. However, size and shape help distinguish these birds - Great White Egrets are much bigger, similar in size to a Grey Heron, and with a yellow bill. Cattle Egrets are stockier birds with yellow bills and legs and may show some peachy colouration of the plumage.
My most recent view of Little Egrets was of a group of 5 birds on marshland. One was showing possible courtship or aggressive behaviour towards another, chasing it several times around a clump of tall grass, and causing disturbance to the others standing nearby.