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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Egretta garzetta
Little egret. Greek: λευκοτσικνιάς. Pera River, Afandou, April 2022.
Passage migrant, uncommon. Length 55-65 cm, wingspan 90-110 cm. Sexes similar. River mouths, riverbed pools, reservoirs, rocky seashores. Gregarious behaviour, but usually solitary feeder. Takes mainly fish and amphibians, also small reptiles and insects. Repertoire of foraging methods in shallow fresh water includes still standing, slow walking, foot stirring and chasing with raised wings. Flies with retracted neck and slow wing beats.
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