ExploreBirds

Great Egret

Ardea alba

The Great Egret is a tall, graceful bird with long legs and a beautiful white body. It loves to stand still by the water, waiting to catch fish with its sharp beak.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Great Egret is a large bird with stunning pure white plumage, an elegant S-curved neck, and long, slender black legs. It has a distinctive yellowish-orange bill that turns brighter during breeding season. Its striking all-white body sets it apart from other wading birds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyArdeidaeGenusArdea
Great Egret
feathered trait badgesolitary trait badgepiscivorous trait badgeambush_predator trait badge
Great Egret

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

An egret's extra-long toes spread out to help them walk on squishy mud without sinking! Wow!

During breeding season, the male egret's bill turns an amazing orange-red color!

Their dazzling white feathers were once so popular for hats, they were hunted almost to extinction!

They often stand completely still, waiting patiently for prey to swim close before striking!

Special abilities

Ability

Lightning Strike Neck

Great Egret can extend its S-curved neck with incredible speed to spear fish, helping them catch quick, elusive prey.

Ability

Wading Walker

Great Egret has long, stilt-like legs that help them wade into deep water without getting wet, allowing access to hidden food.

Ability

Preening Powder

Great Egret has special 'powder down' feathers that continuously crumble, helping them clean sticky fish slime from their plumage.

Measurements & details

Length
80-104 cm
Wingspan
131-170 cm
Weight
0.7-1.5 kg
Lifespan
15-24 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
2-6
Incubation
23-26 days

Diet & Feeding

The Great Egret mostly eats small fish, but also enjoys other tasty treats found in the water.

Primary Foods

  • fish
  • amphibians
  • insects
  • crustaceans

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

American Alligator

Alligator mississippiensis

Alligators prey on egret eggs and chicks.

eaten by

Raccoon

Procyon lotor

Raccoons often raid egret nests for eggs and young.

hunts

Mosquitofish

Gambusia affinis

A common small fish prey in their wetland habitats.

hunts

Northern Leopard Frog

Lithobates pipiens

Egrets hunt these frogs in shallow waters.

depends on

Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum

Often nests in colonies within these large trees.

Traits

Also known as

Common EgretWhite Egret

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Great Egret?

80-104 cm

What is Great Egret's wingspan?

131-170 cm

How much does Great Egret weigh?

0.7-1.5 kg

How long does Great Egret live?

15-24 years

How fast can Great Egret move?

35 km/h

What does Great Egret eat?

The Great Egret mostly eats small fish, but also enjoys other tasty treats found in the water.

Where is Great Egret usually found?

Wetlands

How does Great Egret hunt?

Ambush

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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