How to identify the Little Egret

To correctly identify the Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

55-65 cm (22-26 in)

Wingspan

88-106 cm (35-42 in)

Weight

350-550 g (12-19 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Entirely pure white plumage. In breeding season, it develops two long, delicate nuchal plumes (aigrettes) extending from the back of the head, and lacy scapular plumes (nuptial plumes) on its back and breast.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Slender, pointed, and entirely black. The lores (skin between the eye and bill) are greyish-blue in non-breeding birds and turn bright blue-green during breeding season.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Yellow iris.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Black legs with conspicuously bright yellow feet. The yellow feet are a key identification feature.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Pure white plumage, slender black bill, black legs, and bright yellow feet. The long nuchal plumes and lacy scapular plumes in breeding plumage are also distinctive.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but may have duller, greenish-yellow feet and a slightly duller bill. They lack the ornamental plumes of breeding adults.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   During the breeding season, adults develop two long, filamentous plumes from the nape (aigrettes) and lacy, elongated plumes on the lower back and breast. The lores also change from greyish-blue to bright blue-green.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are outwardly similar in plumage and size, though males may be slightly larger on average.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Medium-sized, slender white heron with a relatively long neck and legs.
• Plumage. Always pure white. Look for ornamental plumes in breeding season: two long plumes from the nape and lacy plumes on the back and breast.
• Bill Color. Always black, slender, and pointed.
• Leg and Foot Color. Black legs with bright yellow feet. This is the most reliable field mark to distinguish it from other white egrets in its range.
• Lores Color. Greyish-blue in non-breeding birds, turning bright blue-green during the breeding season.
• Behavior. Active foraging style, often seen 'foot-stirring' or 'wing-flicking' to flush prey.

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