Birds of North Carolina
their Distribution and Abundance
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
Family (Alpha):
ARDEIDAE Members: Little Egret 12243

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), 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
none
U.S. Status
Definitive
State Rank
SA
Global Rank
G5
Coastal Plain
One record (see above).
Piedmont
No records.
Mountain
No records.
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