Herons · Pelicans and herons
Great Egret
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Ardea alba
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Voice
Alarm
Sonothèque ADVL
Alarm
Sonothèque ADVL
Call
Jonathon Jongsma
How to recognize it
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Large all-white heron, only slightly smaller than a Grey Heron
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Long straight yellow bill; black legs and feet
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Long S-shaped neck; slow, deliberate walk with neck extended
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In flight the neck is retracted, flight smooth and steady
About the species
Often seen standing still at the edge of shallow water, the great egret then moves with slow, measured steps, neck stretched forward as it looks for food. In flight it folds its neck back, and when disturbed it gives a low hoarse croak; at colonies the calls can turn into louder croaks and sharp squawks.
It usually hunts alone, but sometimes feeds in groups or takes food from smaller herons. During the breeding season, adults gather in colonies in trees near large lakes, reed beds, and other wetlands, and they keep a nesting area around the colony. Pairs form for one season.
It feeds on fish, frogs, other amphibians, mice, snakes, crayfish, and insects. Outside the breeding season, some populations stay put while others move within their range or travel farther, and it also uses urban and suburban wetlands when suitable water is available.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Ardea alba Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Great egret Encyclopedia article