Common name: Little Egret
Scientific name: Egretta garzetta
Family: Ardeidae

Size:
Body length: 55–65 cm
Wingspan: 88–106 cm

Identification:
A slender, elegant white heron with a long black bill, black legs and strongly contrasting bright yellow feet. During the breeding season, adults develop long ornamental plumes on the head and back. Its slim build, dark legs and yellow feet are among the most useful features for separating it from other white herons.

Habitat:
Found around coastal lagoons, tidal creeks, mudflats, mangroves, marshes, shallow lakes, ponds and flooded areas. It usually feeds in shallow water and occurs in both freshwater and coastal habitats.

Status in the UAE:
A common migrant and winter visitor to the UAE, with some birds remaining through summer. Breeding was first recorded at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in July 2020 and continued there through at least 2023, although breeding remains sporadic in the country. The 2026 UAE checklist therefore marks it X*, indicating that it has bred in the past or breeds very sporadically.

Diet:
Feeds mainly on small fish, frogs, aquatic insects, snails and other small aquatic animals. It captures prey in shallow water, sometimes standing patiently but often actively walking or running after prey.

Behavior:
An active and agile hunter that uses several feeding techniques, including slow stalking, rapid dashes and stirring the water with its feet to disturb hidden prey. It may feed alone or in loose groups and often gathers with other herons at productive wetlands.

Conservation Status:
Global: Least Concern (LC)
UAE National Red List: Not listed in the UAE National Red List assessment — the national list includes several other Ardeidae but does not include Egretta garzetta.