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Key information: This small and elegant heron comes to Cyprus in small numbers to spend the winter. During spring and autumn, flocks of ten or more Little Egrets can be seen flying along the coasts, especially at Akamas Peninsula. When seen in spring, the adult birds have two or three long straight plumes (long feathers) growing from the back of their head. It is more slender than the Cattle Egret.

Length: 55 – 65 cm

Habitat: Wetlands, coastal areas

When they can be seen: Autumn, winter, spring

What they eat: Fish and other aquatic organisms, small reptiles

In Cyprus: Can be seen at wetlands such as Oroklini Lake, Akrotiri Marsh and Athalassa Park

Status: Passage migrant, winter visitor

Illustration by Paschalis Dougalis