Slaty Egret
Egretta vinaceigula
The Slaty Egret (Egretta vinaceigula) is a rare herons, egrets, and bittern found in 7 countries, weighing about 288 g. The slaty egret is a small, dark egret found in southern Africa.
About the Slaty Egret
The slaty egret is a small, dark egret found in southern Africa. It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. It is classified as Vulnerable, the biggest threat being habitat loss.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Until 1971, the slaty egret and more widespread black egret Egretta ardesiaca were thought to be colour morphs of the same species but the slaty egret shows consistent features which separate it from the black egret. These are the yellow legs and the vinous brown throat of the slaty egret, which extends down right onto the belly in immature birds. The slaty egret does not display the characteristic "mantling" behaviour of the black egret.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Mozambique.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in September. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Slaty Egret?
- Until 1971, the slaty egret and more widespread black egret Egretta ardesiaca were thought to be colour morphs of the same species but the slaty egret shows consistent features which separate it from the black egret. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Slaty Egret?
- The Slaty Egret is a medium sized bird weighing about 288 g.
- Where can you see a Slaty Egret?
- The Slaty Egret occurs in 7 countries, including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- What birds look similar to a Slaty Egret?
- The Slaty Egret is most easily confused with the Chinese Egret, the Pied Heron and the Black Heron.
- Is the Slaty Egret endangered?
- The Slaty Egret is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Slaty Egret for real
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