little egret

The little egret (Egretta garzetta) is a species of heron found in the Old World. It is about 55 cm long and is characterized by its white plumage, with distinct plumes on its head and lacy plumes on its back.1

Egrets, in general, are herons known for their white feathers and the long, ornamental plumes they develop during the breeding season. These plumes were historically highly valued for fashion, leading to severe population declines due to hunting. Fortunately, conservation efforts have helped their numbers recover. Egrets inhabit wetlands like marshes and lakes, where they hunt small fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and crustaceans in shallow waters. They build large nests in trees, bushes, or on the ground.1