Birds of North Carolina:
their Distribution and Abundance
Little Egret - Egretta garzetta
ARDEIDAE Members:
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General Comments This Old World species strays to the Atlantic coast on rare occasions, and VA has had several records, dating back to 1992. The NC BRC has reviewed one or two coastal records that were not accepted, as none contained photos or at least convincing photos. Thankfully, one was well photographed at Mattamuskeet NWR on 29 Apr 2016* [Chat 80:109-110 link], and additional photos were taken (Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery). It was seen by dozens of birders and was last noted on 9 May. The NC BRC reviewed and accepted the record later in 2016, and thus the species is now on the Definitive List.
Breeding Status Nonbreeder
NC BRC List Definitive
State Status
U.S. Status
State Rank SA
Global Rank G5
Coastal Plain One record (see above).
Piedmont No records.
Mountains No records.
Finding Tips
1/2*
Attribution LeGrand[2018-02-01], LeGrand[2017-04-25], LeGrand[2016-12-25]
NC Map
Map depicts all counties with a report (transient or resident) for the species.
Click on county for list of all known species.