BirdLife Malta has put the limelight on the Great White Egret, known as ‘Russett Abjad’ in Maltese, a large and striking member of the heron family. Two Great White Egrets paused their autumn migration towards the south to stop at the Salina Nature Reserve, where they could be seen resting and feeding along the saltpans.

While it might resemble the Little Egret, as suggested by its name the Great White Egret is notably larger, reaching up to 1 metre and with a wingspan of almost 170 cm, similar in size to the Grey Heron.

Other notable features of the Great White Egret include its black feet, which turn yellow just above the joint. In breeding adults, the beak is dark, while in non-breeders and juveniles, it appears yellow with a dark tip.

This bird typically inhabits wetlands and marshes and is found across tropical and temperate regions of Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Historically, the Great White Egret was a rare visitor to Malta, with only occasional sightings of individuals.

However, in recent years, observations have increased, with sightings occurring during both the spring and autumn migrations. Most encounters involve single birds or small flocks of up to five, and they are sometimes seen migrating alongside other heron species.

Have you ever spotted a Great White Egret?