Male and female birds look similar, with a black bill, and bright yellow feet key characteristics of non-breeding birds. The bare skin between the bill and the eyes (lores) are grey green with yellow eyes. Breeding birds have 2-3 feather plumes that form a crest of the bird’s neck . The lores turn orange to purple during the breeding season. The eyes and feet of this bird turn orange to red.

This species occurs widely from Europe to Africa as well as Asia, Japan and Australia. In South Africa it is a resident species that may have some nomadic movements. The largest coastal population of these birds occur in the Western Cape.

This species occurs widely from Europe to Africa as well as Asia, Japan and Australia. In South Africa it is a resident species that may have some nomadic movements. The largest coastal population of these birds occur in the Western Cape.

The Little Egret can be found in estuaries, edges of rivers, lakes, saltpans, marshes and mangroves.

Little egrets lay eggs throughout the year but peaks between August and December in the Western Cape. Females build the nest, but males contribute by bringing the building material (sticks and reeds). Both parents incubate the egg and take care of the chick. The young leave the nest after 30 days.

This egret species can be seen walking and jumping through shallow water chasing mostly fish but will also eat crustaceans, worms, aquatic insects and frogs.

The oldest known bird is at least 10 years old.