Least Concern Birds

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

Little Egret hunts fish and insects in African freshwater wetlands and coasts.

Scientific name	Egretta garzetta
Swahili name	Mwewe Mdogo
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Ciconiiformes
Family	Ardeidae
Size	Male: body length approximately 55-65 cm, weight about 350-550 g; female: similar size, slightly lighter weight

See this species in the app

How to identify

Entire plumage pure white; slender black bill; black slender legs with yellow feet; during breeding season, long ornamental plumes on head and back; small body size, graceful movements

Habitat

Freshwater wetlands, rivers, lakes, marshes, coastal shallow waters, and mangroves

Diet

Carnivorous, primarily feeding on fish, insects, amphibians, and small aquatic invertebrates

When it is active

Diurnal, more active at dawn and dusk

Where it lives

Widely distributed across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia; in Africa found in Kenya and Maasai Mara National Reserve

How to spot it

Observe quietly at wetland edges during early morning or evening, paying attention to feeding behavior and breeding plumes; use telephoto lens to capture details

Photography tips

Recommended to use telephoto lens, shoot from low angles to highlight elegant posture; utilize natural light to capture feather details and reflections