Little egret
Scientific name: Egretta garzetta
IUCN listed as: Least Concern
Learn before you visit!
Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.
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Diet
The Little Egret primarily feeds on small fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and insects. It uses a variety of hunting techniques, including standing still and ambushing prey or stirring up water with its feet to flush out hidden food. Often seen in shallow waters, these birds forage in both fresh and saltwater environments. They are also known to follow larger animals, like cattle, to catch prey that is disturbed by their movements. Their diet can vary slightly depending on their geographic location and seasonal availability of food.
Little Egrets eat small fish, frogs, and insects. They hunt by standing still or stirring the water with their feet to find food. They like shallow waters in places like rivers and lakes. Sometimes, they follow bigger animals to catch food that gets scared out of hiding. Their food changes a bit depending on where they live and the time of year.
Breeding
Little Egrets breed in colonies, often alongside other waterbird species. Nesting typically occurs in trees, shrubs, or reed beds near water. Both parents share responsibilities in building the nest, incubating the eggs, and feeding the chicks. Clutches usually consist of 3-5 eggs, which are incubated for about 21-25 days. The chicks fledge approximately 40-45 days after hatching, although they remain dependent on their parents for a while longer.
Little Egrets make nests in trees or tall plants near water, often with other birds. Both parents help build the nest, sit on the eggs, and feed the chicks. They usually lay 3-5 eggs, which hatch in about 3 weeks. The chicks learn to fly after 5-6 weeks but still need their parents for food.
Habitat
The Little Egret is found in a wide range of wetland habitats, including marshes, riverbanks, lakeshores, and coastal lagoons. They prefer shallow waters where they can easily hunt for prey. This species is highly adaptable and can be found in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Their range extends across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Seasonal migrations occur in some populations, while others remain in their habitats year-round.
Little Egrets live in wetlands like marshes, rivers, and lakes. They like shallow water where they can hunt easily. They can live in both freshwater and saltwater places. They are found in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Some migrate, but others stay in the same place all year.
At the zoo
In zoos, Little Egrets are housed in exhibits that mimic their natural wetland habitats, complete with shallow ponds and vegetation. They are provided with a diet that closely matches their wild diet, including fish and invertebrates. Zoos play a crucial role in educating the public about wetland conservation and the importance of preserving natural habitats for species like the Little Egret. Enrichment activities, such as live fish feeding, help stimulate their natural hunting behaviours. These exhibits also contribute to breeding programs aimed at sustaining healthy populations in captivity.
In zoos, Little Egrets live in areas that look like their natural homes with ponds and plants. They get food similar to what they eat in the wild, like fish and bugs. Zoos help teach people about protecting wetlands where Little Egrets live. Activities like feeding live fish help keep them active and happy. Zoos also help with breeding to keep the population healthy.
Behaviour
Little Egrets are highly social birds, often seen in flocks, especially during the breeding season. They are known for their graceful and agile movements while hunting. These birds are also vocal, using a range of calls to communicate with each other, especially during the breeding season. They display a variety of behaviours such as head shaking and feather fluffing as part of their courtship rituals. Territorial during the breeding season, they can be quite aggressive in defending their nesting sites.
Little Egrets are social and often seen in groups. They move gracefully when hunting. They make different sounds to talk to each other, especially when nesting. During mating season, they do special dances and show off their feathers. They protect their nests fiercely from other animals.
Fun facts
- Interesting Crest: Little Egrets have beautiful, long plumes on their heads during the breeding season.
- Global Travellers: These birds are found across four continents: Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
- Clever Hunters: They use their feet to stir up the water and scare out fish and insects.
- Social Birds: Little Egrets often live and breed in large colonies with other waterbirds.
- Elegant Dancers: Their courtship rituals include graceful movements and showing off their feathers.
- Fancy Feathers: Little Egrets have pretty, long feathers on their heads during mating season.
- World Explorers: You can find Little Egrets in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
- Smart Hunters: They use their feet to make the water move and find hidden fish and bugs.
- Group Living: Little Egrets often live with many other birds in big groups.
- Cool Dance Moves: They do special dances and show their feathers to attract mates.
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