Taken at Farmoor, Oxon., on September 13th 2023. (© David Hastings)
(1/1000th sec at f/10. Click image for larger version)
Taken at Cley Marshes, Norfolk, on November 5th 2024. (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f/10. Click image for larger version)

Description

L: 55 - 65cm; WS: 71 - 86cm

The Little Egret is a small white heron with white plumes on its crest, back and chest, black legs and bill, and yellow feet. It first appeared in the UK in significant numbers in 1989 and first bred in Dorset in 1996. Its colonization followed naturally from a range expansion into western and northern France in previous decades.

It can be found in most places in the UK.

It nests colonially in dense trees and bushes at shallow marshy lakes, rivers and coastal lagoons.

It takes fish, frogs, insects, snails, etc from shallow lakes, ponds and flooded fields, often in small groups.

It is green status on the UK list.

Sightings