According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Little egret is estimated to be around 660,000-3,150,000 individuals. The African Little Egret (Egretta garzetta garzetta) is found in the wetlands of tropical eastern and southern Africa.The African Little Egret has all white feathers, and a long, thin, black beak. During the winter the plumage is similar but the scapulars are shorter and more normal in appearance. The field guide to the birds of New Zealand. First recorded in New Zealand in 1944, there are 2-3 little egrets present here most years, with single birds often staying at the same site for many consecutive years. Plumed egrets are widespread and common through much of Africa, Asia and Australia, mainly occurring in freshwater wetlands. Christopher Helm. It measures from 55 to 65 cm in lenght, for a wingspan of 86-104 cm. Image © Diana Womersley 2014 birdlifephotography.org.au by Diana Womersley. #112998128 - Couple of white little egret birds (Egretta garzetta) are mating.. Locations have been: 1. The neck is about the same length as the body, and typically held in an 'S'-shaped curve. The Little Egret is a thin, medium, dimorphic (dark or white) heron, with a long thin neck and bill, dark legs and yellow feet (in most forms), and active foraging methods. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic birds. Little egrets are silent birds in general, however, at their breeding colonies, they make various croaking and bubbling calls. The genus name comes from the Provençal French Aigrette, "egret", a diminutive of Aigron," heron". Here is a full listing of New Zealand bird species with notes on where they may be found. Little egrets are monogamous. The best places to spot birds near Auckland. The reserve is home to many birds but the one George is really wanting to see if the white egret – unfortunately not on this visit. The plumed egret is a medium-sized all-white egret with a relatively short, stout yellow bill. This contrasts with little egret (especially) and white heron, which are more often seen in estuaries. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 3 to 4 m (10 to 13 ft) from the nest. Egretta intermedia appears in older books. The little egret is smaller with a long, black bill which is much finer than in the plumed egret, with only traces of yellow. Currently, Little egrets are classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and their numbers today are increasing. Royal spoonbill, which has a black bill, is the only common species among this group. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic birds. While hunting in the water, Little egrets may spread one or both of their wings to shade the water and to have a better view of the prey. The species epithet garzetta is from the Italian name for this bird, garzetta or sgarzetta. The birds are well-known for its white plumages. Popular attractions Roseland Visitor Centre and St. Mawes Beach are located nearby. The Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) is a small, common egret found in Asia, Africa, Europe, Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand.It is a member of the heron family. Upon hatching the chicks are covered in white down feathers and are cared for by both parents. Adult:The Little Egret is highly variable. Tiritiri Matangi Island – Bird Sanctuary accessible by Ferry from Auckland CBD, a great day trip. The eggs are oval in shape and have a pale, non-glossy, blue-green shell color. A medium-sized all-white egret with a relatively short, stout yellow bill that turns reddish in breeding condition. Plumed egrets have been recorded in New Zealand at least 18 times, with several more unconfirmed sightings. We can see two long and fine white feathers on the rear crown, extending from the nape to mid-neck. Scaup, Takahe 2. The little egret is very rare. The little egret is smaller with a long, black bill which is much finer than in the plumed egret, with only traces of yellow. Birds of East Asia. There are four different herons which breed in New Zealand. Northern European populations are migratory and mostly travel to Africa although some remain in southern Europe, while some Asian populations migrate to the Philippines. Description: The Little Egret is a small white egret with dark grey-black legs, black bill and a bright yellow naked face. Dec 31, 2012 - Explore Lillian Egleston's board "Herons & Egrets", followed by 1719 people on Pinterest. The little egret is a small, white heron that feeds on small fish and crustaceans. Egret,_Little Egretta garzetta Fourd: North America (uncommon), Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand The Little Egret has white plumage; black legs. Brazil, M. 2008. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have greenish-black legs and duller yellow feet, and may have a certain proportion of greyish or brownish feathers. Ardea intermedia is the scientific name in the 2010 Checklist of the birds of New Zealand. A birder with a library of field guides from around the world or on-line checklists may encounter an array of common and scientific names for this bird. Little egret and white heron, like plumed egret acquire filamentous plumes from the breast and scapulars in breeding plumage. It means that males and females mate only with one partner. Moria Gate Arch Track.1350 Mccallums Mill Road, Kahurangi National Park, West Coast, NZ (-41.152, 172.19), Buller District The birds have since spread elsewhere in the Caribbean region and on the Atlantic coast of the United States.