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.