What does the Little Egret eat?

The Little Egret's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Carnivore (primarily fish, amphibians, insects, crustaceans)

How it forages

A highly active and opportunistic feeder. It employs a variety of hunting techniques, including standing still and waiting for prey, walking slowly, shuffling its feet to disturb prey, 'foot-stirring', 'wing-flicking' (flashing the underside of its wings to startle prey), and even running and chasing. Primarily feeds on small fish, amphibians (frogs, newts), aquatic insects and their larvae, crustaceans (shrimp, crabs), and occasionally small reptiles or mammals.

When it feeds

Diurnal, primarily active during daylight hours, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

Explore the Little Egret