Great Egret
NameGreat Egret
Common NameGreat Egret
Scientific NameArdea alba
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)145
Length (cm)90
Weight (g)1000
Plumage DetailsEntirely pure white plumage. It has a long, yellow, dagger-like bill and long black legs and feet. During breeding season, adults develop long, delicate ornamental plumes (aigrettes) on their backs.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can emit a low, hoarse croak or guttural squawk, especially when disturbed or in breeding colonies.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsmarshes, swamps, lakes, ponds, tidal flats, estuaries, wet fields
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNearly worldwide, found in temperate and tropical regions across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Identifying Featureslarge size, pure white plumage, long S-curved neck, yellow dagger-like bill, black legs and feet, long breeding plumes (aigrettes)
Description
The Great Egret is a large, elegant wading bird known for its pure white plumage and graceful movements. It typically hunts by standing still or slowly wading in shallow water, patiently waiting to strike at prey with its long, dagger-like bill.
