Herons & Egrets in Devon

5 species matching this filter.

All birds in DevonView family page

Devon's diverse wetlands, estuaries, and river valleys provide excellent habitat for herons and egrets, with 5 species recorded across the county. The Grey Heron and Little Egret are familiar sights along Devon's waterways, while scarcer visitors such as the Great White Egret, Cattle Egret, and Black-crowned Night-heron add excitement for birdwatchers. The Exe Estuary and Taw-Torridge Estuary are particularly rewarding locations for observing these elegant wading birds throughout the year.

Cattle Egret
Cattle EgretSmallest · 46cm
to
Great White Egret
Great White EgretLargest · 104cm
Ranges from the Cattle Egret (46cm) to the Great White Egret (104cm)4 year-round residents
Black-crowned Night-heron

Black-crowned Night-heron

Nycticorax nycticoraxLC

A very rare spring passage visitor, with occasional April records. One of Devon's most sought-after vagrant herons.

Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Cattle Egret

Cattle Egret

Bubulcus ibisLC

A rare but increasingly regular resident, often seen among livestock on lowland pastures. Part of a recent UK colonisation trend, with a summer gap in records.

Jul–Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Great White Egret

Great White Egret

Ardea albaLC

An increasingly regular rare visitor to Devon's wetlands and estuaries, reflecting the species' ongoing expansion across southern England.

Jun–Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Grey Heron

Grey Heron

Ardea cinereaLC

A familiar year-round resident on Devon's rivers, estuaries, and farmland ponds. Nests colonially in tall trees.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Little Egret

Little Egret

Egretta garzettaLC

Now a common resident along Devon's estuaries and coasts, having colonised since the 1990s. Readily seen on the Exe Estuary year-round.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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