Great Egret

Ardea alba

Family: Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns · Status: Common migrant · Size: 85–102 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Occurs across North America, sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, Central Asia, Siberia, the Indian subcontinent, China, Korea, Japan and Indonesia to Australia; more northerly populations winter to Central America, southern Africa, southern Europe and Southeast Asia.

Identification

Non-breeding adult is all white with a heavy yellow bill, black legs and feet and a long S-shaped neck. Distinguished from all other white egrets by the strongly kinked neck and gape line (pointed extension of facial skin) extending beyond the eye. Breeding adult develops long plumes, red legs and a black bill. Juvenile resembles non-breeding adult.

Habitat

Various inland and coastal wetlands, mangroves and mudflats.

Behaviour

Feeds mainly on fish; also takes frogs, aquatic invertebrates and snakes. Wades through shallow water to hunt.