ID Keys: White plumage, yellow bill with dark tip, black legs and
feet, long plumes on back when in breeding plumage
The
Intermediate Egret is an Old World species that is so named because it is
intermediate in size between the Great Egret
and the Little Egret. They are
normally found in Africa south of the Sahara, across southern Asia to Japan,
and southward into Australia. In North America, they are but extremely rare
vagrants, with a handful of sightings in the far outer Aleutian Islands.
Habitat
Found in both freshwater and saltwater
habitats, including estuaries, freshwater wetlands and marshes, shorelines
of rivers and lakes, and flooded rice fields. Usually found in areas with
thick wetland vegetation.
Diet
The Intermediate Egret feeds primarily on fish, frogs, aquatic insects, crustaceans, small reptiles, and other aquatic animals. It also consumes shrimp, crabs, mollusks, and occasionally small mammals or birds when the opportunity arises. Like other egrets, it relies on a varied diet of aquatic prey captured in shallow wetlands, marshes, rice fields, and flooded grasslands.
Behavior
Often forages by standing motionless in
the water, quickly thrusting its neck and bill out to capture prey when prey
approaches. They may also stalk prey by moving slowly through the shallows.
Nesting
Colonial nester, sometimes nesting in
large colonies with other wading bird species. The nest is a loos
platform built of sticks and wetland vegetation, placed in trees, shrubs, or
reedy areas near water. The female lays 2 to 4 eggs, and both parents
help to incubate them. After hatching, both parents help feed and tend
to the young. The young leave the nest after about 5 weeks.
Song
The Intermediate Egret is generally quiet away from its breeding colonies but becomes much more vocal during courtship and nesting. Its calls include harsh, croaking notes used in territorial disputes, courtship displays, and communication between mates. Like most egrets, it is usually silent while feeding, with vocalizations heard primarily at breeding colonies or when alarmed.
Migration
The Intermediate Egret is primarily a resident species throughout much of Africa, southern Asia, and Australia. Some populations make seasonal movements or short-distance migrations in response to rainfall, flooding, and changing water levels that affect feeding habitat. Northern populations in eastern Asia may migrate south to warmer regions during the nonbreeding season, but the species is not considered a long-distance migrant over most of its range.
Similar in appearance to North America's white egret species, including the
Great Egret and
Snowy Egret. Also similar to Old
World Little Egret.
Conservation Status
The Intermediate Egret is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature because of its extensive range across Africa, Asia, and Australia and its large global population. Although some local populations are affected by wetland drainage, habitat degradation, pollution, and human disturbance, the species remains widespread and common over much of its range. It is not currently considered globally threatened.
