Great Egret
Ardea alba
The adult Great Egret is a tall white heron of marshes, ponds, rice fields, tidal flats, and slow waterways. It hunts alone by stalking slowly or standing still, then stabbing fish, frogs, crustaceans, insects, and small reptiles with a rapid bill thrust. Strong broad wings allow it to travel between feeding sites and nest in colonies in trees or shrubs near water. A notable fact is that its long breeding plumes once made it a major target of the feather trade, helping inspire early bird-protection movements.
- Type
- Water / Wing
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- Great Egret Nestling
- ?
- Great Egret