Little Egret

What do they look like?

A bright white bird, smaller than a Grey heron but very similar in body shape, with a long serpentine neck that may be hunched into the body and long black legs for wading through water. The long, sharp beak is also dark. This bird’s feet are bright yellow, with long toes to stop them sinking into soft sediment.

When can I see them in Scotland?

You can see Little egrets all year round, but in autumn and winter you may see them in greater numbers.

Where can I see them in Scotland?

Find these birds using pools and estuaries to feed around the coast or spot them further inland on lakes and riversides.

Conservation status

In the UK, bird species with breeding, passage or wintering populations are assessed by experts and assigned to Red, Amber or Green lists of conservation concern. Little egrets are currently a ‘GREEN’ listed species.

Thumbnail image (c) Dimitri Svetsikas Pixabay

Header image (c) Akbar Nemati Pixabay