Little Egret

Little Egret

Scientific Name: Egretta garzetta

Order: Ciconiiforme

Family: Ardeidae

The Little Egrets are said to be small, white herons (long-legged, freshwater, coastal birds). They have an all-white plumage. They have slightly long necks, black and thin pointed bills, and black legs with yellow feet.  An adult Little Egret is approximately 55-65 cm long and has an 88-106 cm wingspan. 

The Little Egret stalks and catches its prey in shallow water. Using their long, pointed bills, they wait for prey to come and snatch them through their bills. They sometimes run while raising their wings.

Most egrets feed on tiny fishes, insects, amphibians and crustaceans, basically anything that can be found in the shallow water.

Among the many wetlands found in the Philippines, the Little Egret is commonly seen in Laguna de Bay, the most important freshwater wetland.

The Little Egret can live up to 22 years. They are commonly "alone" birds. They feed alone or with a small group only. They reside in freshwater, brackish or shallow salt water. They breed mostly in temperate regions such as Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Breeding season is from March to June. Female birds usually lay 3-4 eggs every 1 to 2 days.

Although they are not endangered, the Little Egret face problems such as habitat loss and changes in wetlands due to population and competition for nesting trees.

For more information, visit the following links:

Little Egret http://www.oiseaux-birds.com/card-little-egret.html
Philippine Bird Photography http://www.philippinebirds.com/2010/09/little-egret-egretta-garzetta.html