Order: Pelecaniformes, Family: Ardeidae, Genus: Ardea, Species: Ardea alba
Great Egret
A large, elegant white heron with a long S-curved neck, yellow bill, and black legs and feet.
Explore Great Egret in the encyclopedia →Identify your own birds.
Get a report just like this from any photo or call, free.
Plumage & appearance
Entirely white feathers. During breeding season, they develop long, delicate plumes on their backs called aigrettes.
Ecological significance
Acts as an apex predator in wetland ecosystems, controlling populations of fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects.
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN), though protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Observation tips
Look for them standing motionless in shallow water or salt marshes. Best observed with binoculars at dawn or dusk when they are most active.
More like this
