THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
236 
nest. A rather flat, bulky structure, composed of coarse sticks; 
placed in a mangrove tree, generally in one overhanging a narrow 
channel. 
eggs. Usually two, light bluish-green, the surface being slightly 
glossy and minutely pitted. Breeding-season: April (Queensland); 
February (Northern Territory). 
16. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Linnaeus 
E-gret'-ta— N.L., egretta, egret: gar-zet f -ta— N.L., garzetta , little heron. f - 
distribution. Northern and eastern Australia; also occurs in 
southern Europe, Africa, central and southern Asia, and Malaysia to 
New Guinea. 
notes. Also called Lesser Egret and Spotless Egret. Observed 
singly, in pairs, or in small flocks, frequenting swamps or the margins 
of lakes and streams. Except when breeding, it is exceptionally shy and 
wary, generally keeping away from the shore so that it may have an 
uninterrupted view of its surroundings. It is nomadic, and by no 
means plentiful. Food: aquatic animals. An adult in non-breeding 
plumage does not possess the plumes on the back or the ornamental 
feathers on the fore-neck. 
nest. A platform composed of sticks, placed in the branches of a 
tree growing in or at the edge of water. Breeds in colonies, often in 
association with other wading birds. 
eggs. Three to five, light or pale bluish-green, the surface being 
slightly glossy and minutely pitted. Breeding-season: October to 
December or January (New South Wales); March and April (northern 
Queensland). 
17. Plumed Egret Egretta intermedia Wagler 
in-ter-med'-i-a— L., intermedins, intermediate. 
distribution. Northern, eastern, and southern Australia; also 
occurs in southern and eastern Africa, southern Asia, and Malaysia to 
New Guinea. 
notes. Also called White Crane. Observed singly, in pairs, or in 
flocks, frequenting swamps or the margins of lakes and streams. It is 
nomadic and is similar in habits and economy to the Little Egret. An 
adult in non-breeding plumage does not possess the plumes on the 
back or the ornamental feathers on the fore-neck. 
nest. An almost flat structure, composed of thin sticks and twigs, in 
some instances with leaves attached; placed in the branches of a tree 
growing in or near water. Breeds in colonies, often in association with 
other wading birds. 
eggs. Three to five, pale sea-green, the surface being either smooth 
or finely pitted and lustreless. Breeding-season: October to December 
or January. 
