Let’s Meet England’s Herons, Bitterns & Egrets
Herons, egrets and bitterns are found everywhere (apart from Antarctica) and can be striking grey to muted blue, adapting to both freshwater and saltwater habitats.
These birds often stand very still, waiting for their next meal. But how do you know which is which?
Herons and egrets both cover great distances, though endangered bitterns (just 200 or so breeding pairs in the UK) are less migratory – but still may move to find food elsewhere. Read more at Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.
For wading coastal birds, keep at least 50 metres away, as causing them to fly wastes energy, that could be spent feeding (they need extra space at high tide). Keep dogs away, as disturbing nests could cause them to abandon chicks.
- Herons (like cranes) perform courtship dances where they stretch their necks, flare plumage and fly in the air.
- Egrets are smaller and less noisy than herons, with white plumage. They are more social and preen each others’ feathers. They tend to prefer wetlands, while herons are sometimes spotted by the coast.
- Bitterns are harder to spot, as they often hide their streaky brown feathers amongst reeds and marshes. These solitary birds live amid dense vegetation, but in spring you may hear their distinctive ‘booming’ call.
Restoring our wetlands is the best way to help wading birds, as it provides natural food and habitat. In recent years, many wetlands have been lost to farming and building, so birds lose their nesting and feeding grounds.
Other issues are water pollution, raw sewage and climate change which changes weather patterns). So support small organic farmers that protect wildlife corridors, and avoid companies that use pesticide, that kill the creatures that wetland birds feed on.
Grey Heron
The Grey Heron stands as one of the most familiar sights near lakes, rivers and ponds. With slate-grey wings, a long neck and a sharp yellow bill, it’s not easily missed.
You’ll often spot one standing still, ready to spear a fish or frog with a quick snap. These birds are patient hunters and can be seen almost anywhere there’s slow-moving water.
They build huge, untidy nests in treetops, usually in groups known as heronries. With a six-foot wingspan, the Grey Heron is an impressive figure in flight, legs trailing behind. Even if you’ve seen them before, their steady presence always adds something special to the landscape.
How to Humanely Deter Herons from Ponds
It’s sad to say, but herons do kill fish and ducklings. So if you have a garden pond, herons will try to find them. You have to accept it’s nature. Two possible solutions are tall plants at the edge (to obscure views of fish) and a solar fountain to agitate the water (so herons are less likely to see them).
Dummy herons rarely work (herons hunt together, so think they’ve found a mate). And heron deterrent discs have holes in which hedgehog spikes could get caught. Netting is not recommended, as it can trap birds and wildlife.
Little Egret
The Little Egret used to be rare in England, but its numbers have grown since the late 20th century. Now these small, brilliant white birds are often seen along the coasts and in estuaries.
They stand out with their slender bodies, black legs and vivid yellow feet, often wading through shallow water to catch fish, shrimps and insects.
Little Egrets look delicate but handle cold winters and busy summer wetlands with ease. Their courtship displays, with fine plumes and sweeping wings, can be breath-taking if you’re lucky enough to watch. They bring a lively, almost exotic feel to even the quietest streams.
Great Egret
The Great Egret is similar to the Little Egret but larger, with a long, graceful neck and all-white plumage. Not long ago, spotting one was rare, but now they’re turning up more often, especially in southern and eastern England. They hunt in slow water, stalking fish and amphibians with quick, darting movements.
Their size can surprise even regular birdwatchers, as they’re about as tall as a Grey Heron but seem brighter and more elegant. During the breeding season, their fine plumes attract plenty of attention. The increase in sightings is cause for hope, showing how restoration work and warmer winters are helping some birds thrive.
Cattle Egret
Cattle Egrets are smaller and chunkier than other egrets, with short yellow bills and, in breeding season, rusty-orange feathers on the head and chest.
They’ve started turning up in England more, following livestock in fields and snatching insects disturbed by grazing cows. You might spot a group in rough pasture or even perched on the back of a sheep.
Their spread into England is a sign of changing seasons and shifting habitats. They’re quick to adapt, nesting where they find safe islands and feeding grounds. Cattle Egrets bring an unexpected spark to farmland scenes.
Bittern
The Bittern is a master of disguise, with streaked, brown plumage that lets it melt into reeds and tall grasses. For years the Bittern was very rare, its numbers crashed by wetland drainage and pollution, but careful conservation has helped it start to recover.
It’s still shy and hard to see, but you might hear its booming call echoing over the marsh in spring.
This bird spends its days deep in reedbeds, hunting fish, eels and amphibians. If you catch a glimpse, you’ll see its thick neck and a habit of standing straight, bill pointing up. The return of the Bittern is a real victory for wetland work, and every sighting feels like a small moment of magic.
Night Heron
The Night Heron isn’t a regular sight, but it’s turning up more often, sometimes nesting in southern England. Shorter and stockier than the Grey Heron, it has a black back and crown, grey wings and a bright red eye. True to its name, it feeds at dusk and dawn, hunting quietly in shallow water.
Night Herons favour quiet, well-vegetated lakes and rivers. Their odd, barking call and hunched shape make them stand out if you’re lucky enough to see one. While still rare, each sighting hints that England’s wetlands are becoming wilder, more welcoming places.
Squacco Heron
Squacco Herons are rare visitors from southern Europe, but every year a few appear in English wetlands. They’re smaller and stockier than most herons, with buff and white plumage and a surprisingly bold blue beak in breeding season.
You’re most likely to spot one during spring and summer migration, resting in quiet ponds or marshes.
Their upright stance and sudden dashes after small fish or insects make them entertaining to watch. Each arrival is big news for keen birdwatchers and a reminder of the links between our wetlands and the wider world.
