Herons & Egrets in England
7 species matching this filter.
England is home to 7 species of herons and egrets, ranging from the familiar Grey Heron to scarcer visitors such as the Purple Heron and Black-crowned Night-heron. Wetlands, reedbeds, and coastal marshes across the country provide vital habitat for these elegant waterbirds, with species like the Eurasian Bittern relying on extensive reedbed reserves for breeding. The Little Egret, once a rare vagrant, is now a widespread and much-loved sight along English waterways and estuaries.
Black-crowned Night-heron
Nycticorax nycticoraxLC
An uncommon passage visitor to wetlands and reedbeds, most often seen between April and August. A small breeding population is becoming established.
Apr–Aug
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibisLC
A recent colonist now breeding in southern England, often seen alongside livestock in damp pastures. Numbers have increased rapidly since the 2000s.
Year-round
Eurasian Bittern
Botaurus stellarisLC
A secretive heron of reedbeds, best known for the male's booming call in spring. Conservation efforts have helped this once-rare resident recover at key wetland sites.
Year-round
Great White Egret
Ardea albaLC
An increasingly common resident of wetlands and flooded fields. Numbers have surged in recent years, with breeding now established.
Year-round
Grey Heron
Ardea cinereaLC
A familiar year-round resident found along rivers, lakes, and garden ponds. Often seen standing motionless at the water's edge.
Year-round
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
A striking white heron now common year-round across England, having colonised rapidly since the 1990s. Frequents estuaries, marshes, and coastal lagoons.
Year-round
Purple Heron
Ardea purpureaLC
A rare passage visitor, mainly in spring and summer at wetlands in southern and eastern England. Skulks more than Grey Heron in dense reedbeds.
Apr–Oct