Great Egret
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Calibas" title="User:Calibas">Calibas</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameGreat Egret
Common NameGreat Egret
Scientific NameArdea alba
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)145
Length (cm)95
Weight (g)1000
Plumage DetailsEntirely white plumage, with long, delicate ornamental plumes on its back during the breeding season. It has a long yellow bill and black legs and feet. The lore (skin between eye and bill) turns a vibrant green during breeding season.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a silent bird, but may emit a low, hoarse croak or gurgle, especially when disturbed or in nesting colonies.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsmarshes, swamps, lakes, ponds, rivers, coastal areas, estuaries, wet meadows
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound globally, inhabiting temperate and tropical regions of the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Identifying Featuresall-white plumage, long, S-shaped neck, long black legs and feet, yellow bill, green lore (breeding plumage), long ornamental plumes on back (breeding)
Description
The Great Egret is a large, elegant white heron with a long, S-curved neck and long black legs. It typically wades in shallow waters, patiently stalking fish and other small aquatic prey with a swift strike of its sharp bill.
