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Little Egret

(Ardea [Egretta] garzetta)
Alternative names: "Lesser Egret", "Spotless Egret"
Size: 55-65 cm; wing span 85-95

Sightings

A Little Egret was first spotted on the campus of Sultan Qaboos University, near Muscat, Oman, in the timeframe September-December 2009. The photos presented below were obtained in Oman. Seen in breeding plumage in early March 2010.

Little Egrets were previously also observed by us in Australia.

Photos

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Frontal view of a mottled Little Egret

Lateral view of a Little Egret in non-breeding plumage, with its head up

Lateral view of a Little Egret, with its neck showing the characteristic "kink"

In this view from behind one can see signs of moulting

Here seen stalking prey; prominently visible in this photo is the bird's turquoise-coloured foot

Here is what happens when a Little Egret zooms in...

... next phase...

... the end of the line for an unfortunate frog

Here a Little Egret in flight, seen from behind

Food

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

These pages are largely based on our own observations. For more salient facts on any bird species please refer to a field guide.