Great Egret

Great Egret

Ardea alba

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Animalia
Abundance: Common
Habitat: Wetland
Active Seasons: Spring, Summer
Activity: Diurnal (Active during day)
Lifespan: Approx. 15 years in the wild

The Great Egret is a large, wading bird with white plumage, black legs and feet, and a long, yellow bill. It’s one of the largest Egret species in North America, often standing over 4 feet tall with a wingspan of over 50 inches. Like the Great Blue Heron, the Great Egret quietly stalks its prey in shallow water. During the breeding season, they develop long, delicate plumes on their back. The population of Great Egrets in the U.S. has fortunately recovered after being drastically reduced by plume hunters in the early 1900’s.

Diet

Fish, Crustaceans, Insects

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordate
Class: Aves
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Ardeidae
Genus: Ardea
Species: Ardea alba

Scientific Name

Ardea alba
Breeding Season
Mid-April, Breed once per year
Lifespan
Approx. 15 years in the wild

Behavior

May feed in flocks with other wading birds and is known for stealing food.

Active Seasons

Spring Summer

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)

Habitat Types

Wetland

Geographic Distribution

Common throughout the southeast U.S year round, and found as far north as southern Canada and west to the Great Lakes

Local Abundance

Common

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife

Additional Notes

Aggression among nestlings is common and often results in siblicide.

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