Little Egret

The Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) is a graceful white heron that has become an increasingly familiar sight across Britain’s wetlands and coastal estuaries. Once a rare visitor, the species expanded rapidly during the late twentieth century and is now widely established along rivers, marshes and tidal creeks throughout much of the country.

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With its slender black bill, long dark legs and distinctive yellow feet, the Little Egret is easily recognised as it stalks shallow water in search of fish, small crustaceans and aquatic insects. While feeding, it often moves with slow, deliberate steps before suddenly darting forward to seize its prey.

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Across Britain, the species is most frequently encountered along estuaries, lagoons and river margins, although it may also be seen on flooded fields and wet meadows. Its elegant form and pure white plumage make the Little Egret one of the most striking and distinctive wetland birds in the British landscape.