Slaty Egret

Egretta vinaceigula

Slaty Egret (Egretta vinaceigula) — Herons, Pelicans & Ibises of Africa.

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The Slaty Egret (Egretta vinaceigula) is a member of the Ardeidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 288 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List

VU Vulnerable

Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Where it fits

Class Aves
Order Pelecaniformes
Family Ardeidae Herons, Bitterns
Genus Egretta
Species vinaceigula

Where it lives

Zambia to northeastern Namibia, northern Botswana and western Zimbabwe

Africa

Quick facts

Weight: 288 g
Diet: Aquatic hunters
Family: Ardeidae
Order: Pelecaniformes
Habitat: Wetland, lake & coast

How to identify

Similar birds

Least Concern

Biology & behaviour

Diet

The Slaty Egret hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Behaviour

A bird of wetlands, it forages mainly on the ground.

Migration

The Slaty Egret is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.

The Slaty Egret (Egretta vinaceigula) is a member of the Ardeidae family, within the order Pelecaniformes. It is found across Africa. Its distribution covers AF Zambia to ne Namibia, n Botswana and w Zimbabwe.

It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 288 g, with a wing length of about 22.8 cm and a tail of around 8.3 cm.

It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.

Its mapped global range covers an estimated 110,000 km².

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Slaty Egret?

The Slaty Egret is a large bird that weighs around 288 g.

Where does the Slaty Egret live?

The Slaty Egret is found across Africa with a range covering AF Zambia to ne Namibia, n Botswana and w Zimbabwe, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.

What family does the Slaty Egret belong to?

The Slaty Egret (Egretta vinaceigula) belongs to the Ardeidae family, in the order Pelecaniformes.

What does the Slaty Egret eat?

The Slaty Egret hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Does the Slaty Egret migrate?

The Slaty Egret is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.

Is the Slaty Egret endangered?

It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.

How large is the Slaty Egret's range?

The Slaty Egret has a mapped global range of about 110,000 km².