Little Egret {Egretta garzetta}

The Little Egret is a small white heron. The adult Little Egret is 55-65 cm long with a 88-106 cm wingspan. Its plumage is all white. It has long black legs with yellow feet and a slim black bill. In the breeding season, the adult has two long nape plumes and red between the bill and eyes. The Little Egret is generally seen singly or in small loose groups.

Unlike most larger herons and other white egrets which occur at the waterside, it usually hunts actively, darting, twisting and dashing about in pursuit of prey.

Quick Facts

Name: Egretta garzetta

Habitat: Common on the shoreline of any body of water, including oceans and estuaries.

Distribution: Common in South Africa.

Diet: fish, crustaceans and insects.

Socialisation: It is generally seen singly or in small loose groups. Unlike most larger herons and other white egrets which occur at the waterside, it usually hunts actively, darting, twisting and dashing about in pursuit of prey. It may also hunt in typical heron fashion by standing motionless and waiting for prey to approach within striking distance.

Reproduction: The Little Egret nests in colonies, often with other wading birds, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. The three to five eggs are incubated by both adults for 21-25 days to hatching.