Specie's Page                                                Little Egret - Large Waders

Little Egret:

UK Status: Resident.

Habitat: This is a migratory bird that colonised Britain in recent decades. They first bred in Norfolk in 1996, after they first started to appear in significant numbers in 1989. It is a scarce bird in Britain during the summer months, it's numbers are significantly boosted later in the year, by overwintering Egret's. They like wetlands with shallowish waters, where they can stand up to thigh deep in the water. They eat small fish, frogs and invertebrates.

Breeding: Their nest is a similar, but smaller platform to that of the Grey Heron built, of sticks and placed in a trees, shrubs or in patches of reeds. They tend to nest colonially, and there is usually several nesting pairs in a small area. They lay three to four pale greenish blue eggs in each clutch, there is one, or two broods a year.

Comment: Breeding birds are seen as far north as Yorkshire during the late spring to early autumn. However they can be seen as far north as the western coast of Scotland, when the overwintering migrants appear. It is not a common bird as yet, but appears to be increasing it's range and numbers.

Similar Species: Both the Cattle and Great White Egrets are similar. The Cattle Egret is similar in size, but has a yellow bill, and a yellowish to brown mane trailing from its head. The Great White is about the size of a Grey Heron, with a yellow bill and legs.