Little Egret

A medium-sized, elegant heron with snow-white plumage and a slender black bill. It has long black legs and distinctive 'golden slippers' (bright yellow feet). Once rare in Northern Europe, it has expanded its range dramatically over the last 30 years. It is now a common resident in coastal and inland wetlands across the continent.

Little Egrets are active hunters that use a 'foot-stirring' technique, vibrating their bright yellow feet to flush small fish and shrimp from the mud. They nest in communal colonies, and during the breeding season adults develop long, delicate plumes on the crest and back.