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.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Most abundant in the Okavango Delta of Botswana, with smaller numbers in the Chobe–Linyanti system, Zambezi Region (Namibia), northern Zimbabwe, and parts of Zambia (including the Kafue Flats). It uses seasonally inundated floodplains, shallow pans, and wet grasslands with short emergent vegetation such as sedges. Birds track local water levels, concentrating where floodwaters recede and expose foraging shallows. Occasional records occur in adjacent regions following good rains. Breeding is closely tied to suitable water levels and availability of nesting cover.
Altitude Range
600–1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The slaty egret is a scarce, dark-plumaged egret largely centered on the Okavango system of Botswana and adjacent countries. It favors shallow, seasonally flooded grasslands and pans, often appearing as waters recede. Over three-quarters of the global population may occur in or around the Okavango Delta. Habitat loss and alteration of natural flooding regimes are its primary threats, and it is listed under AEWA.
In flight in Namibia
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
steady, deliberate wingbeats with neck retracted
Social Behavior
Typically feeds singly or in small loose groups, sometimes associating with other egrets and herons. Breeds colonially where cover is available, often in reedbeds or low trees over water, sometimes mixed with other waterbirds. Pairs are seasonally monogamous, and clutches are usually small. Nesting success depends strongly on stable water levels and protection from disturbance.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet away from colonies; gives low, guttural croaks and clucking notes when alarmed or in flight. At breeding sites, calls become harsher and more frequent during interactions.
Plumage
Uniform slaty to blue-grey overall with a subtle vinous wash on the throat and upper breast; fine nape plumes in breeding season.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small fish, tadpoles and frogs, aquatic insects and larvae, and small crustaceans. It hunts by slow stalking and brief dashes, often pausing to strike at prey in very shallow water. Foot-raking and probing among short sedges are common techniques. It exploits freshly exposed shallows as floods recede, where prey is concentrated.
Preferred Environment
Shallow, seasonally flooded grasslands, marsh edges, and temporary pans with short emergent vegetation. Often forages along the margins of receding floodwaters and in inundated pastures with sparse cover.
