Great Egret
Ardea alba · Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns
The Great Egret is a large, elegant wading bird with brilliant white plumage, a long, S-shaped neck, and a commanding presence in wetlands. This widely distributed species is a familiar sight across much of the world, often seen patiently stalking prey in shallow waters. Its striking appearance and graceful movements make it a captivating subject for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Explore the full field guideMigratory, residentLarge sizeHoarse croaksCarnivorous
2 calls·first heard Aug 18·last 24d ago
When it's heardpeak 7a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Entirely white feathers, giving it a pristine appearance.
- Typically a long, sharp yellow bill; however, some subspecies in the Old World may have a dark bill during breeding season.
- Long, dark gray to black legs and feet.
- During breeding season, adults develop long, delicate, lacy plumes on their backs that extend past the tail.