The Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) is a sleek, small white heron known for its contrasting dark bill, black legs, and bright yellow feet. Once a rare visitor to the UK, it has successfully colonized much of southern Britain and Wales in recent decades due to warming climates.
Key Characteristics
Appearance: A snow-white bird measuring 55-65 cm in length with an 88-95 cm wingspan. It features a slender black beak, black legs, and striking yellow feet (often called "golden slippers").
Breeding Plumage: During spring, adults grow two long wispy plumes on their head and delicate, fluffy white plumes (aigrettes) on their back and chest.
Diet & Hunting
Food Source: They primarily eat small fish, crustaceans, and amphibians.
Hunting Techniques: They are active foragers in shallow water. Their signature move is foot stirring—shaking their bright yellow feet to startle and flush out hidden prey.
Other Methods: They may also ruffle their wings or hover and dip their feet to disturb the water's surface.
