5

Little Egret

(Ardea [Egretta] garzetta)
Alternative names: "Lesser Egret", "Spotless Egret"
Size: 55-65 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Little Egrets inhabit basically the north and the east of Australia, including Tasmania, and in a narrow strip along the Australian west coast. They are not found in the arid interior of WA, the central and south-western NT and western SA. There are no Little Egrets along the south coast from about Perth to Adelaide either. In the semi-arid dry interior they are found mostly after substantial rainfall events.

Little Egrets are found in the shallows of various kinds of wetlands, including flooded grassland, and in estuaries and intertidal mudflats.

Sightings

A Little Egret was first spotted by us in the wetlands of Capricorn Resort, Yeppoon, in July 2009. Special access to the wetlands kindly granted by the owners of Capricorn Resort is most gratefully acknowledged. Subsequently seen by us in Mangrove swamps near Urunga Heads, NSW, in July 2009.

A breeding pair was first spotted by us at Narrabri Lake in November 2011.

Little Egrets were also observed by us in Oman.

Photos

Lateral view of a Little Egret in breeding plumage

Dorsal view of a Little Egret; the combination of dark legs and dark bill, while in breeding plumage at the time, secures the bird's identification, although its plumes are invisible

Breeding information

Breeding season: Oct - Dec Eggs: 4 - 6 Incubation period: 20 - 25 days Fledging age: 35 - 37 days

The breeding season depends significantly on geographical latitude. In the tropical north Little Egrets breed Feb. - June. Given the right conditions, Intermediate Egrets can breed any time of the year. They breed in colonies, together with other aquatic birds.

Nest

Type: Basket Material: Sticks Height above ground: 5 - 20 m

Seen nesting, together with other aquatic birds, along the shores of Narrabri Lake during the breeding season of 2011.

Little Egret on its nest

Same bird and nest as above; view from a different angle; now a chick can be seen under the adult bird's head

Eggs

Size: 42 x 30 mm Colour: Light blue Shape: Tapered oval

Behaviour

Social behaviour: Communal Mobility: Sedentary/dispersive Elementary unit: Pair/flock

Little Egrets have a different hunting behaviour compared to other species of egrets or herons. They perform some kind of "step-dance", with which they walk around their prey to give it the impression of being surrounded. Once the prey is still in the water, they snap it up.

Unsharp photo of a Little Egret walking around its intended prey

Food

All egrets and herons prey on aquatic creatures in fresh water or estuaries (fish, frogs, snakes or crustaceans).