- Egretta garzetta
Identification
A small white heron with black legs and bill and yellow feet. In breeding plumage it sports two long plumes from the back of the head and plumes on the back and breast. Most of the year, the lores are bluish gray, but in high breeding they can become yellow, orange, or even red.
Distribution
From southern Europe, though Asia to Korea, Japan, and Indonesia to New Guinea, as well in northern and eastern Australia, and New Zealand. Only proven breeding colony in the Western Hemisphere is on Barbados (since 1994), but occur regularly on e.g., Antigua. Vagrant north eastern United States and Canada with records in Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Maine, Massachusetts, and Delaware.
Taxonomy
Nominate race occurs from Europe to Japan and in Africa, race nigripes from the Philippines to New Guinea and immaculata in northern and eastern Australia. Some authors consider the Western Reef Egret and Pacific Reef Egret to be races of this species.
Habitat
Slow-flowing rivers, shallow lakes and flooded fields, also on brackish lagoons, estuaries and along shorelines.
Behaviour
Breeds colonially in trees near water. Forms communal roosts where birds from a large area gather at dusk.
Bird Song
<flashmp3>Egretta garzetta (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
External Links
