Size & diagnostic markings:- 60 Cm. The lower beak has a pale yellow base otherwise had dark bill. This minor point could help in an environment where almost all Egrets are completely white. They have dark legs but greenish yellow feet. During breeding they have back plumes and the face, also the feet turn reddish.

Distribution :-  This bird is native to west Sahara, the African continent and all the way east to Japan. Then down south to Sulawesi and into the Australian continent

Habitats & preferences:- This is a bird for the wetlands and padifields. Fairly common foraging alone. But they gather in huge colony to breed

The Little Egret though named "Little" is larger than the Cattle Egret at 60 cm. This bird is also found in wide belt from Africa to the far east and down to Australia. This is another common bird in Malaysia.

The Little Egret do not gather in a large flock but seek food together in open fields and mudflats. They do that with other species of Egrets as well.

The main diagnostic markings for this bird is the dark colored bills, black legs and yellow feet. That should be simple enough. The facial skins is light colored from dull green to yellowish grey.

The breeding plumage consist of nape, back breast plumes, the bill turn blackish and the facial skin red and during courtship the feet turns red from yellow.

There is also a visiting sub-species Egretta garzetta nigripes with black feet.

Little Egret's picture No. 1

Little Egret's picture No. 2

Little Egret's picture No. 3

Little Egret's picture No. 4

Little Egret's picture No. 5

Little Egret's picture No. 6

Little Egret's picture No. 7

Little Egret's picture No. 8

Little Egret's picture No. 9

Little Egret's picture No. 10

Little Egret's picture No. 11

Little Egret's picture No. 12

In Malaysia, where can the bird be found:- I find that the bird is easy to encounter but not easy to identify. More often found in coastal region foraging alone. Also in isolated inland waterways. Again as an individual bird or sometimes in pair. Nearest to my house would be th Rimba with its ponds and Sungei Penchala.

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With Will would Wander