Great egret
The great egret (Ardea alba) is a large bird with all-white plumage, a member of the heron family (Ardeidae) and a close relative of the pelican. The species is widely distributed throughout most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world.
It can reach one metre (39”) in height and weigh up to 950 grams (2.1 lb). With a wingspan of 165 to 215 cm (65 to 86 in), it is only slightly smaller than the great blue or grey heron. It can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet.
Great egret - Ardea alba (Photo by ExploreExuma.com)
Males and females are identical in appearance, developing delicate ornamental feathers on their backs and sometimes slightly lighter colored bills and lower legs during breeding season. Juveniles look like non-breeding adults.
A great egret in flight is a breathtaking sight — slow, with its neck retracted, distinguishing it from storks, cranes, ibises and spoonbills which extend their necks in flight.
They breed in colonies in trees, close to large lakes with reed beds or other large wetland areas, making bulky stick nests. Great egrets are not normally noisy birds but at breeding colonies you may hear their loud croaking which sounds very like ‘cuk cuk cuk’.
They feed in shallow water or drier habitats, mainly on fish, frogs, small mammals and sometimes small reptiles. They slowly stalk their prey or stand motionless for long periods, allowing the prey to come to within striking distance, then spear it with their long sharp bills.
