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.
Wetland
Common throughout the southeast U.S year round, and found as far north as southern Canada and west to the Great Lakes
Spring, Summer
Common
Diurnal
Fish, Crustaceans, Insects
May feed in flocks with other wading birds and is known for stealing food.
Least Concern
