Great Egret

97 cm (38") Fairly common. Marshes, ponds, shores, wooded swamps, mud flats.

Very large, slender, all white heron with a yellow bill (orange in breeding season); black legs and feet. During breeding season long white plumes on back extend past tail.

Slowly and deliberately stalks prey.

Plume hunters greatly reduced population but now recovered and expanding range north. Usually silent.

Song: hoarse croak.

Videos

Images

Credit: Larry Bond

Credit: Larry Bond

Credit: Larry Bond

Credit: Ken Slade

Distribution Maps

Great Egret winter distribution map

Great Egret distribution map