This small egret is native to Africa and spread to South America in the 1880’s. It reached Florida and Texas by 1950’s. Has since spread further northwards. Enjoys pasture and short grass habitats often around livestock such as sheep and cattle. Not found in ponds, sloughs or other water bodies.
October through November where most encounters in our checklist area has occurred. The most recent record is from November 2021 after almost exactly 20 years without a sighting!
Similar species:
At a casual glance at a distance, could be passed off as a gull. Otherwise, nothing else looks like this miniature egret.
Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Noteworthy Data
Date | Location | Source(s) | Comments |
| November 7, 2021 | Sumas Prairie, Abbotsford | G. Cuff, 2021 | In a field near Cole and Campbell road, hanging out with hundreds of gulls. Suspect it might be the same individual seen earlier in Delta (Vancouver) on Nov. 3 |
| November 10, 2001 | Matsqui Trail, Abbotsford | B. Schmor, 2001 G. Gadsden, 2001 | Group of three among sheep and cattle in a pasture near the Abbotsford-Mission Bridge. Last recorded on November 23, 2001 (G. Gadsden, 2001). |
| October 26, 1999 | Lickman Road, Chilliwack | J. Osterhold, 1999 | In a field near Yale Road. Last recorded November 2, 1999. Unlikely the same bird from the Chilliwack Airport. |
| Late October, 1999 | Chilliwack Airport, Chilliwack | D. Knopp, 1999 G. Gadsden, 1999a J. Osterhold | Seen about a week earlier daily near the terminal. On October 31, 1999, appeared somewhat lethargic (G. Gadsden, 1999a). |
| Mid-October, 1994 | Lougheed Highway, Kent | C. Gadsden, 1994 | Three birds among cattle in a field near the road. Photographed and shown to G. Gadsden and D. Knopp but photos since lost. |
| February 10, 1982 | Hatzic Lake, Mission | Birds of B.C. | |
| December 30, 1981 | Agassiz | Birds of B.C. |