Little Egret

The Little Egret is a species of heron that live in small flocks and breed in colonies. Their elegant, white plumage distinguishes them from the Grey Heron, and they have become a more common sight in Galway in recent years. The Little Egret can often be seen fishing alongside other herons in Galway Bay, using its narrow sharp bill and long legs to hunt for its prey. Their diet is diverse, and although they mainly feed on fish, little egrets will sometimes eat amphibians, crustaceans, insects, and even small birds. At one time, the Little Egret was a rare sight in Ireland, but their population here has increased steadily over the past decade or so. In the wider world, they can be found as far east as Japan, as far south as Tasmania, and as far west as Barbados.