Latin name - Egretta garzetta

Once a rarity in the United Kingdom, the Little Egret is becoming a more common sight turning up in many estuaries here in South Devon and Cornwall. It first bred in the United Kingdom in Dorset in 1996 and is rapidly establishing itself both as a resident and a wintering species. It is a small heron growing up to 65cm long with a wingspan up to 95cm. Both sexes are the same with snow-white plumage, a long pointed black bill, black legs and bright yellow feet. It feeds on fish which it catches in shallow water.