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TranslateLittle Egret (Egretta garzetta)
Little egret, Egretta garzetta (Linnaeus, 1766)
Length: 55 to 65cm. Wingspan: 22 to 106cm Weight: 400 to 600g
Family: Ardeidae.
The Little Egret is mainly found in countries bordering onto the Mediterranean Sea, as far East into Southern Russia, Turkey, Israel and into the Northern Africa countries. It is also found as far north as Britain, predominately around the coastal areas.
Season: Will be seen all year round.
Habitat: Coastal regions, marshlands, Freshwater lakes and along river banks. Will often be seen flying in flocks along the coastal areas.
As with other herons, it prefers to wade between water-side vegetation, particularly reeds, spending much time stealthily searching for food, it will also stand still. The Little Egret seems to be more fidgety than most other species of herons and will sometimes be seen continuously running around flapping wings searching for food. Perhaps this is to disturb its prey to move, from its camouflaged position.
Feeding: Will feed on a variety of wetland animals, particularly fish and amphibians, including frogs, toads. Molluscs, small reptiles, crustaceans, insects, spiders and worm. Will also raid eggs and young birds from their nests.
Breeds in treetop colonies, often with other herons and egrets, nest is made of sticks, lays between 3 to 4 bluish-green eggs, 1 brood; April to July. In about about six weeks of age the young will fledge.
Voice: Generally silent, more vocally heard in their breeding colonies, making harsh alarm calls when disturbed.
The Little Egret’s long neck plumes were once very sought after, for fashion (mainly hat decoration) and were very valuable, this led to the Little Egret’s rapid decline in the 19th century; until laws were put into place in the 1950’s, to protect them.
Read MoreLength: 55 to 65cm. Wingspan: 22 to 106cm Weight: 400 to 600g
Family: Ardeidae.
The Little Egret is mainly found in countries bordering onto the Mediterranean Sea, as far East into Southern Russia, Turkey, Israel and into the Northern Africa countries. It is also found as far north as Britain, predominately around the coastal areas.
Season: Will be seen all year round.
Habitat: Coastal regions, marshlands, Freshwater lakes and along river banks. Will often be seen flying in flocks along the coastal areas.
As with other herons, it prefers to wade between water-side vegetation, particularly reeds, spending much time stealthily searching for food, it will also stand still. The Little Egret seems to be more fidgety than most other species of herons and will sometimes be seen continuously running around flapping wings searching for food. Perhaps this is to disturb its prey to move, from its camouflaged position.
Feeding: Will feed on a variety of wetland animals, particularly fish and amphibians, including frogs, toads. Molluscs, small reptiles, crustaceans, insects, spiders and worm. Will also raid eggs and young birds from their nests.
Breeds in treetop colonies, often with other herons and egrets, nest is made of sticks, lays between 3 to 4 bluish-green eggs, 1 brood; April to July. In about about six weeks of age the young will fledge.
Voice: Generally silent, more vocally heard in their breeding colonies, making harsh alarm calls when disturbed.
The Little Egret’s long neck plumes were once very sought after, for fashion (mainly hat decoration) and were very valuable, this led to the Little Egret’s rapid decline in the 19th century; until laws were put into place in the 1950’s, to protect them.
