The little egret is a very common kind of heron, found in Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia alike. They are medium sized; around 55-65 cm in height and 350-550 grammes in weight. Their plumage is snowy white in colour, with black legs and yellow feet. When they fly, they stretch out their legs, while the neck is pulled in.
The favourite food of these birds includes fish, frogs and other water animals and they are therefore found in fresh and shallow waters, estuaries and mangroves. These birds may wait patiently for the preys to stalk them. But if they are badly in need of food, they may even chase their preys energetically and stab them. They are always found in large groups and they also build their nests in tree colonies along with other birds in the region. These birds are very noisy.
The main challenge these birds are facing now is the degradation of wetlands, agricultural pollution and human Interference in their ecosystem. Also, these birds have a large chance of catching bird flu.