Birdorable Great Egret
The Great Egret is one of the latest birds we've added to Birdorable. It is widely distributed across the tropical and temperate regions in the world and can be found on all continents. We see these beautiful... Read more »
Great Egret
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About the Great Egret
Also known as: Great White Egret, American Egret, Common Egret, Great White Heron, Kōtuku (New Zealand)
The Great Egret is a tall, stately bird known for its elegant appearance and graceful movements. It has all-white plumage, a long, slender yellow bill, and long black legs. During the breeding season, adults develop delicate, flowing plumes on their backs, which they use in elaborate courtship displays.
Great Egrets are widely distributed across wetlands in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. They inhabit a variety of wetland environments, including marshes, swamps, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. These birds are typically seen wading through shallow waters in search of food.
Their diet primarily consists of fish, but they also eat amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and invertebrates. Great Egrets are patient hunters, often standing still for long periods before striking quickly with their sharp bills to catch prey. This hunting strategy, combined with their keen eyesight, makes them effective predators.
Great Egrets nest in colonies, often alongside other heron species. They build large, platform nests from sticks and plant materials, usually placed high in trees or shrubs near water. Both parents participate in nest building, incubating the eggs, and feeding the chicks.
Historically, Great Egrets were heavily hunted for their beautiful plumes, which were used in the fashion industry. Conservation efforts, including the establishment of wildlife refuges and legal protections, have helped their populations recover. Today, they are a common and widespread species, symbolizing successful bird conservation efforts.
Find cute products & gifts with our Birdorable Great Egret
Details & Statistics
Added to Birdorable
Hatched September 3, 2009
Scientific Name
Ardea alba
Bird Family
Measurements
Length:
3.1 to 3.4 feet
(0.9 to 1 meters)
Wingspan:
4.3 to 5.6 feet
(1.3 to 1.7 meters)
Weight:
2.2 to 2.8 pounds
(1 to 1.3 kilos)
Range
West Europe
East Europe
North Europe
South Europe
West Asia
Central Asia
East Asia
Southeast Asia
South Asia
Australia
North Africa
West Africa
Central Africa
East Africa
South Africa
North America
Central America
Caribbean
South America
United States (West)
United States (East)
New Zealand
Madagascar
Siberia
International Names
Brazilian
Garça-branca-grande
Czech
Volavka Bílá
Danish
Sølvhejre
Dutch
Grote Zilverreiger
Finnish
Jalohaikara
French
Grande Aigrette
German
Silberreiher
Italian
Airone Bianco Maggiore
Japanese
ダイサギ (Daisagi)
Korean
대백로
Norwegian
Egretthegre
Polish
Czapla Biała
Russian
Белая цапля
Spanish
Garceta Grande
Swedish
Ägretthäger
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