Herons & Egrets in Leicestershire
5 species matching this filter.
Leicestershire is home to 5 recorded species of herons and egrets, ranging from the familiar Grey Heron to increasingly regular visitors such as the Great White Egret and Cattle Egret. The county's reservoirs, river valleys, and wetland reserves — including Rutland Water on its eastern border and the Soar Valley floodplains — provide excellent foraging and breeding habitat for these elegant waterbirds. Keen observers may even be lucky enough to spot the elusive Black-crowned Night-heron, a rare but notable visitor to the region.
Black-crowned Night-heron
Nycticorax nycticoraxLC
A rare spring passage visitor, with occasional April records. This secretive heron is a major county rarity, usually found near wooded waterways.
Apr
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibisLC
A rare passage visitor in summer and early autumn, part of a recent range expansion into England. Occasionally seen near livestock at wetland sites.
Jun–Sep
Great White Egret
Ardea albaLC
An increasingly established uncommon resident, now seen year-round at wetlands and reservoirs. Part of a wider national range expansion.
Year-round
Grey Heron
Ardea cinereaLC
A familiar sight year-round, nesting in heronries at established sites and feeding along rivers, lakes, and garden ponds.
Year-round
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
Now a common resident after rapid colonisation, found year-round at reservoirs, gravel pits, and river margins.
Year-round