Across Europe, several species of egrets are returning to landscapes from which they were once largely absent. Their resurgence has become one of the most notable conservation successes of recent decades. Yet the trajectory of these birds has not been straightforward. Their early decline was directly linked to the millinery trade, which created intense demand for their ornate breeding plumes. After the introduction of strong protective legislation in the twentieth century, populations slowly stabilised and then began to expand. Today, three species in particular have re-established themselves across much of the continent: the Great White Egret (Ardea alba), the Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), and the Cattle Egret (Ardea ibis).
This article covers the key features to look out for on each species to be able to confidently identify them in the field. Additionally the article explains how the ecological turnaround occurred, why these species have been able to recolonize so widely, and what their continued expansion tells us about modern European ecosystems.
A History of Decline Driven by Fashion
During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, European and international fashion industries sought large quantities of white egret feathers. Their fine decorative plumes were used extensively in hat making, leading to widespread and unsustainable hunting pressure. Breeding colonies were particularly vulnerable because birds were targeted while nesting, resulting in the destruction of entire rookeries. This exploitation caused dramatic population crashes across Europe and in parts of Africa and Asia.
The impact was so severe that several egret species disappeared entirely from regions where they had once been common. Their absence from European wetlands and coastlines persisted for decades, and by the mid-twentieth century, they were considered rare or locally extinct across much of the continent.
Legal Protection and the Start of Recovery
The turning point came with the introduction of strong national and international protections. New laws restricted hunting and the commercial trade of bird feathers. As a result, pressure on breeding colonies eased. Wetland conservation efforts and large-scale habitat restoration also played important roles in supporting recovery.
With fewer immediate threats, egret populations began to stabilise. Over time, several species started to increase in number. The improved conditions created opportunities for natural recolonisation, and egrets began moving into regions they had not occupied for decades.
Little Egret
Once scarce in large parts of Europe, this species began expanding during the late twentieth century. By the mid-1990s, it had re-established breeding grounds in multiple European countries. Since then, the population has continued to grow. Today, little egrets occupy coasts, estuaries, river valleys, lagoons, and freshwater shallows. They also make use of human-modified systems such as irrigation channels and agricultural floodplains.
The little egret is best recognised by two consistent features. First, a dark bill that remains so for most of the year. Second, a dark patch of bare skin between the bill and the eye. During the courtship period, this facial area may take on a reddish tint, yet at normal viewing distances, it still appears dark.
Juvenile birds may show pale tones on the lower mandible, but the overall appearance remains unchanged. The legs are dark green to black. Although the species is well known for its yellow feet, these are often hidden in water or vegetation. When visible, they provide a clear contrast with the otherwise dark legs.
While resting, the little egret may remain still for long periods, adopting a compact posture. When feeding, the behaviour becomes far more active. The bird may move rapidly through shallow water, stir mud or sand with its feet, or make sudden lunges to seize small fish and invertebrates. These movements can seem abrupt, but they serve an effective hunting strategy. In flight, the species travels with steady wingbeats, the neck retracted, and the feet extending slightly beyond the tail. Under good light, the yellow toes are often visible.
Great White Egret
The great white egret presents a different profile. Historically a rare bird across much of Europe, it has undergone a significant expansion. Its breeding presence is now established in many regions, and wintering numbers have increased as well. When seen alongside a grey heron or little egret, its size is unmistakable. The great white egret approaches the height of a grey heron (Ardea cinerea) but maintains a slimmer, more elongated form.
![Size illustration of Grey Heron [Left], Little Egret [Center], Great White Egret [Right]](https://i0.wp.com/in-focus.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Plate-3.png?resize=960%2C540&ssl=1)
The neck of the great white egret is notably long and slender. When partially extended, it forms a distinct angled curve. When fully stretched, it is exceptionally long, creating a characteristic silhouette. Outside the breeding season, the bill is a vivid yellow, providing a reliable distinction from the little egret.
During the breeding season, however, the bill darkens considerably. Under those conditions, leg coloration becomes an important clue. The legs themselves are dark, but the upper portions and thighs display pale yellowish tones. When the bird stands in deeper water, these pale areas can create the impression of nearly yellow legs.
In flight, the great white egret maintains slow, deep wingbeats. The legs and feet extend well beyond the tail, and the feet remain entirely dark. The folded neck adds weight to the front of the body as it moves, giving the bird a heavier frontal profile than that of the little egret. This difference is especially noticeable when both species are present.
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Cattle Egret
The cattle egret, once limited primarily to southern Europe, has also expanded. Over recent decades, its range has extended northward, and records now occur across much of the continent. Unlike the other two species, the cattle egret is less dependent on aquatic habitats. Although it does use wetlands, it is frequently found in farmland, grassland, and open countryside. It often forages near grazing animals, taking advantage of insects disturbed by livestock. It also follows tractors and agricultural machinery, feeding on prey displaced by cultivation.
The cattle egret differs anatomically from the other species. It is smaller and stockier, with a shorter neck and a more rounded head. The bill is pale yellow for much of the year. During the breeding season, its colour intensifies, and the bird develops buff or orange patches on the head, breast, and back. These patches distinguish it clearly from the entirely white plumage of the little and great white egrets. The legs vary from greenish to grey or yellowish, depending on season and age.
In flight, the cattle egret shows quicker wingbeats than the slower, more deliberate movements of the great white egret. Its compact body and shorter neck produce a distinct outline.
Why Egrets Are Expanding Today
Several shared factors explain why these three species have been able to re-establish themselves so successfully:
1. Legal protection
The end of commercial plume hunting allowed populations to recover from near collapse.
2. Wetland conservation and restoration
Large-scale habitat management has improved nesting and feeding opportunities.
3. Climate change
Warmer temperatures have reduced winter mortality and opened new breeding areas further north.
4. Ecological adaptability
Each species exploits a broad range of habitats, enabling it to colonise landscapes that were previously unsuitable.
5. Increased population density in core areas
As numbers grew in established breeding regions, natural dispersal led to range expansion.
What the Recovery of Egrets Tells Us About European Ecosystems
The resurgence of egrets provides valuable insight into the state of European biodiversity. Their return reflects the success of legal protections, the effectiveness of conservation action, and the influence of climate trends. At the same time, their expansion highlights the sensitivity of bird populations to environmental change.
Egrets are now among the most striking examples of species that can rebound when direct pressures are removed and habitats are safeguarded. Their story demonstrates how coordinated conservation efforts can reverse declines that once seemed permanent.
References
- Lovette, I. et al. (2016) The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, handbook of bird biology. Third edition. Chichester: Wiley. [Accessed 15/10/2025]
