Slaty Egret Egretta vinaceigula

A small, dark egret with a rusty-buff throat and yellow-green legs and feet. It occurs solitarily or in small groups, preferring marshes and floodplains; it avoids open areas, seeking cover in small channels or near long grass. Slaty Egrets walk slowly, shuffling their feet to surprise fish and frogs. Although it is mostly resident, it can disperse widely outside of its core range. The similar Black Egret differs by having a dark throat, dark legs with yellow feet, and occasionally foraging in a distinctive “umbrella” position, whereby it covers its head with its wings.