First successful nesting of the Little Egret Egretta garzetta in Ghardaïa (Algerian Sahara)

Abstract

We report on the first successful breeding of the Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, in the Sahara, Algeria. We conducted a study on the nesting of this species at Kef Doukhane, an artificial wetland in Northern Sahara that has become an increasingly important nesting site for waterbirds. The number of individuals was monitored between April and October 2021 and the greatest abundance with 470 individuals was recorded in October. However, during breeding, the colony decreased to about 50 birds that built seven nests. Egg-laying started at the beginning of July and at least 34 eggs were laid. Clutches varied between 5 and 6 eggs, and 28 nestlings fledged, yielding a breeding success of 82.4%.