Herons · Pelicans and herons
Great Egret
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Ardea alba
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Voice
Alarm
Alarm
Call
How to recognize it
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Body length 80–104 cm
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All white, with a long S-shaped neck and dark legs
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Slow flight with neck retracted
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Yellow bill outside the breeding season; black with a yellow base in the breeding season
About the species
White from head to tail, the Great Egret is set off by a long, straight yellow bill and dark legs against its pale plumage. Its long neck forms a deep S when tucked in, then stretches forward as it walks. In the breeding season, long white plumes trail from its back.
It moves slowly through shallows, neck stretched as it scans for food, but may also wait motionless before catching prey. Usually quiet, it gives a low, hoarse "crawk" when disturbed; at nesting colonies, repeated "cuk cuk cuk" calls and higher squawks are more common.
It feeds around wetlands, lakes, rivers, and coasts, and may also hunt in fields or other dry places. Fish, frogs, snakes, small mammals, crayfish, and insects all feature in its diet. It nests in trees near water; some populations stay year-round, while others move within their range or travel farther for winter.
Where to find
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At a city or suburban waterside with shallow water, look for a Great Egret standing still as it watches for prey.
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In open fields and farmland, watch for slow steps with the neck stretched forward as it hunts on dry ground.
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By large lakes with reed beds in spring or summer, scan trees near the water for nesting colonies.
