Western Europe Birds & Birding (#24/52): From the Highland Willow Scrub of Scotland to the Aegean Islands in the Sea of Crete, Western Europe is home to over 800 resident, migratory and vagrant birds. From songbirds to gamebirds and from waterfowl to raptors, you can find birds virtually in every nook and cranny of this beautiful area. *All images showcased in this blog series were taken and edited by me.
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain
The Little Egret is a small snow-white heron with slender dark bill, blackish legs, and yellowish feet (“golden slippers”).
Physical Characteristics:
The Little Egret is a small and elegant heron belonging to the family Ardeidae. Here are some key features:
- Size: It measures 55-65 cm (22-26 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 88-106 cm (35-42 inches).
- Plumage: Normally, its plumage is entirely white, although there are dark forms with largely bluish-grey feathers. During the breeding season, adults develop two long plumes on the nape, forming a crest. These plumes are about 150 mm (6 inches) long and are pointed and very narrow. Additionally, there are elongated scapular feathers that may reach up to 200 mm (8 inches) in length. The bill is long and slender, and both the bill and lores are black. The legs are black, while the feet are yellow. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet.
Diet:
The Little Egret is a highly opportunistic feeder. Its diet includes:
- Fish: It primarily consumes small fish weighing less than 20 g and measuring less than 10 cm in length (averaging around 4 cm).
- Crustaceans: These form an essential part of its diet, including species like Palaemonetes (shrimp), amphipods, and various crabs.
- Insects: It preys on aquatic and terrestrial insects such as beetles, dragonfly larvae, mole crickets, and crickets.
- Other Prey: The Little Egret also feeds on amphibians, mollusks (snails and bivalves), spiders, worms, reptiles, and occasionally small birds.
Abundance and Distribution:
- Population Size: Little Egrets have a population size ranging from 660,000 to 3.1 million individuals.
- Historical Decline: Once common in Western Europe, the Little Egret faced extensive hunting in the 19th century for decorative plumes used in hats. As a result, it became locally extinct in Northwestern Europe and scarce in the south.
- Conservation Efforts: Around 1950, conservation laws were introduced in southern Europe to protect the species, leading to a gradual increase in their numbers.
- Current Range: Little Egrets are found across continents, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. They inhabit wetlands, coastal areas, and estuaries.
- Colonization: The species has been expanding its range and successfully colonizing new areas, including the New World.
IUCN Red List Status:
The Little Egret is currently classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. While it faces threats such as habitat loss due to urbanization, pollution affecting water quality, and human disturbance, conservation efforts have allowed populations to recover in Europe. Fun fact: While hunting in the water, Little Egrets may spread one or both of their wings to shade the water and have a better view of their prey.
For more information, you can explore the IUCN Red List and learn about the conservation status of various species.
LITTLE EGRET WAS LIFER #792
Reflections of the Natural World 