Features& Description
The Little Egret, Latin for “Egretta garzetta”, is a small white heron widely distributed around the globe.
Apart from its beak and legs, this egret is immaculately white. The beak is thin and black, as are the legs, of which only the tips are yellow.
Very slender, in mating season it has two very long, fine feathers at the nape of its neck.
Habitat(Biotope)
The Little Egret frequents a wide range of habitats, but with one constant: the presence of open water, fresh or brackish, in which it finds its food. It can be found on the banks of ponds, streams, lagoons and lakes, where it prefers to fish in shallow water.
Behavior& habits
Migratory, it sometimes occupies its fishing grounds in small colonies. Its technique is unmistakable, as it moves forward while shaking its legs to draw out small fish, or by running rapidly. Unlike many small herons of its kind, it does not use its wings to hunt, covering the surface of the water but spreading them to avoid any sun glare.
Reproductionand immature
The little egret nests once a year, usually on the ground in reedbeds, among other waterfowl.
The nest is medium-sized and can accommodate up to 5 eggs.
Hatching takes place after 25 days, and the young fledge after 5 weeks.
Cryor Voice
This bird is mute most of the time, whether in a colony or alone. It may emit a brief “aaaaah” on take-off, in the form of a harsh sigh.
Little Egret
