Little Egret
Egretta garzetta
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Little Egret was not on the British list until 1989. Now it's a common sight along the entire Sefton Coast. This is a genuine conservation success story — the species colonised from France and has spread northward as winters have become milder. At Marshside you can watch them fishing actively in the lagoons, running and wing-flapping to disturb prey, or standing motionless as statues. Pure white with black bill, black legs and bright yellow feet.
At a Glance
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Habitat | Coastal lagoon · Estuary margin · Drainage ditch · Pond |
| Diet | Small fish, frogs, insects, crustaceans |
| UK population | Around 700 breeding pairs; first bred in 1996 and expanding rapidly |
| Sefton Coast | Common year-round; small breeding colony nearby |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB lagoons and ditches. Ribble Estuary margins. Formby ponds.
Identification
Small, all-white heron. Black bill, black legs, yellow feet. The yellow feet are visible even in flight. Wispy plumes in breeding season.
Viewing & Photography Tips
The yellow feet catch the light and make ID straightforward. Look for them in shallow lagoon margins and drainage ditches.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Little Egret colonise Britain?
Little Egrets began appearing in Britain in the 1980s and first bred in 1996 in Dorset. The colonisation has been rapid — there are now around 700 breeding pairs. On the Sefton Coast they are now a common year-round sight at Marshside RSPB and along the estuary, representing a dramatic range expansion northward.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.