But foot-stirring under the canopy may result in enhanced foraging possibilities and therefore attract potential prey to food dislodged and made available by the foot motion. As for many other small Ardeidae, the quick wading action is in the case of the Black Egret most probably aimed at stirring up from the bottom mud organisms sought by the egret’s main prey, young Tilapia, which feed in particular on plant-detritus and bacteria associated with this decomposing material. (see next photo)