“While strolling along the Telok Kurau canal on the morning of 12th March 2011, I first noticed that the resident foot-tapping Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) was beginning to sprout feather plumes from its nape, breast and back (image 1). These are clearly recognised as the typical breeding plumage for this species (Lekagul & Round, 1991: Plate 6; Robson, 2000: Plate 51). By the evening of 19 April 2011 (more than a month later), the breeding plumage of this egret had grown substantially to its full glory (image 2). The pair of elongated plumes trailing from its nape was particularly eye-catching, especially when it was blowing in the breeze. Such beauty and grace may be comparable to ladies sporting long, flowing hair. This egret may be confirmed to be the same individual by a consistent black marking at the base of the outermost toe of its right foot.”

References:
1. Lekagul, B. & P. D. Round, 1991. A Guide to the Birds of Thailand. Saha Karn Bhaet Co., Ltd., Bangkok. 457 pp.
2. Robson, C., 2000. A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd, London. 504 pp.