ExploreBirds

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

The Little Egret is a beautiful white bird with long legs and a sharp beak. It loves to stand in shallow water, looking for fish and frogs to eat. Watching them catch their food is really fun!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Little Egret has striking pristine white plumage, distinct black legs, bright yellow feet, and a slender black bill. During breeding season, it sports elegant lacy plumes on its back and chest, and two long plumes on its nape.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyArdeidaeGenusEgretta
Little Egret
feathered trait badgewebbed_feet trait badgesolitary trait badgecolorful trait badge
Little Egret

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A Little Egret chick can stand and beg for food just days after hatching!

Little Egrets once had their plumes prized as hat decorations, nearly leading to their decline!

These birds often feed in groups, like a feathery fishing squad!

They build messy stick nests high in trees, often with many other egrets.

Special abilities

Ability

Water Dancer

Little Egret can wiggle its bright yellow feet in the water to flush out hidden fish and small creatures for an easy meal.

Ability

Plume Power

Little Egret grows stunning lacy plumes during breeding season that help attract a mate, showing off its health.

Ability

Precision Striker

Little Egret has a long, pointed bill and quick reflexes, allowing it to snatch fast-moving fish from the water with ease.

Measurements & details

Length
55-65 cm
Wingspan
90-105 cm
Weight
0.35-0.55 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
21-25 days
Migration Distance
4000 km

Diet & Feeding

This bird loves to eat small fish, frogs, and insects it finds in the shallow waters!

Primary Foods

  • small fish
  • frogs
  • aquatic insects
  • crustaceans
  • worms

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Mosquitofish

Gambusia affinis

Hunts small fish in shallow waters.

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Preys on eggs, chicks, and sometimes adult egrets.

shelters

Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

Nests in mixed colonies, benefiting from shared vigilance.

parasitizes

Bird Nematode

Contracaecum spiculigerum

Parasitizes the digestive system, affecting health.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Little Egret?

55-65 cm

What is Little Egret's wingspan?

90-105 cm

How much does Little Egret weigh?

0.35-0.55 kg

How long does Little Egret live?

5-10 years

How fast can Little Egret move?

45 km/h

What does Little Egret eat?

This bird loves to eat small fish, frogs, and insects it finds in the shallow waters!

Where is Little Egret usually found?

Wetlands

How does Little Egret hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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