The American little egret is a medium-sized heron that reaches a length between 56 to 66 centimetres and a weight of 350 to 380 grams. The bird has a wingspan of 100 centimetres. Its entire plumage is bright white. Around the nostrils, between the bill and the yellow eyes, the skin is yellow and visible, during the breeding season this often turns to red. The top and tip of the bill is dark grey in colour.
Like most other heron species, the food of the American little egret consists of fish, molluscs and crustaceans, frogs, small reptiles and insects. The bird often stands dead still at the water's edge waiting for possible passing prey. It also sometimes skims low over the water while flying, swiftly snatching fish from the water.
This photo was taken just south of the Salt Pier on Bonaire.
Pieter Smit was born in Arnhem and has lived on Bonaire since 2010. In his spare time, he enjoys taking photos, mainly of the Caribbean island's colourful birds... Read more…
Netherlands
Germany
Netherlands
Netherlands
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Netherlands