UK Wildlife

Little Egret Colonisation Success Story

The little egret colonised the UK as a breeding bird in 1996 and has expanded rapidly, now a familiar sight on estuaries, rivers and inland wetlands throughout England and Wales.

Key Facts

Little egret first bred in UK in Dorset in 1996 after decades of increasing winter visitors
UK breeding population now around 1,000+ pairs, with range still expanding
Distinguished from grey heron by snow-white plumage, black bill and yellow feet
Feeds in shallow water on fish, amphibians and invertebrates
Was nearly hunted to extinction for its breeding plumes in the 19th century

Welfare Considerations

Little egret's UK colonisation is a conservation success driven by European legal protection and climate change extending suitable habitat northward. This demonstrates that wildlife recovery is possible given the right conditions and protection.

What You Can Do

Celebrate little egret as a conservation success story when you see them
Support wetland conservation to maintain habitat for expanding egret populations
Record little egret through BTO Birdtrack to track ongoing population expansion