The yellow-billed egret is a species of heron, a medium sized heron. This species is found in Sub-Saharan Africa. Until 2023 the yellow-billed egret was regarded as a subspecies of the intermediate egret of Asia, as was the plumed egret of Australia and Oceania.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across freshwater habitats including marshes, floodplains, lake margins, slow rivers, and seasonally inundated grasslands. It also uses rice paddies, dams, and other human-made wetlands, and only occasionally ventures into brackish estuaries. Roosts and nests colonially in trees or reedbeds near water. Often forages alongside other egrets and herons, moving locally as water levels change.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-billed egret is the African member of the former intermediate egret complex and was elevated to full species status in 2023. It is easily confused with great and little egrets but shows a shorter, thicker neck and a bright yellow bill with a gape line that typically does not extend behind the eye. It follows seasonal rains to exploit newly flooded wetlands and often nests in mixed heronries. Despite habitat pressures, it remains widespread across sub-Saharan Africa.
Temperament
wary but tolerant in mixed colonies
Flight Pattern
steady wingbeats with neck retracted; unhurried, direct flight
Social Behavior
Often feeds singly or in small loose groups, but nests colonially with other herons and egrets. Builds a stick platform over water or in trees; both sexes contribute to nest building and incubation. Clutches are typically 2–4 eggs, and parents share brooding and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet away from colonies, giving soft clucks and low croaks. At nesting sites it produces harsher grating calls and quacks during displays and territorial encounters.
