Great Egret

Ardea alba

Family: Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets and Bitterns.)

Great Egret (Ardea alba)

Habitat: Fresh and saltwater environments, tidal flats, rocky shores, tidepools, estuaries, and sometimes seen standing on kelp beds.

Food: Fish, crustaceans, and reptiles found near, or in water, and small rodents in meadows and on the coastal strand.

Range: Resident on the west coast, from Oregon to Mexico; on the east coast from Jersey throughout the wetter parts of the southern states. The Great Egret is also found throughout most of South America, except the high mountains of the western countries.

Description: Large white bird, with a long orange bill, yellow eyes,  pale green to bright green coloration around the eye, and black legs & feet.

Behavior: The Great Egret is an ambush hunter. It will stand in one location for extended periods, patiently watching for prey to come within range of its formidable stilleto-like bill. It will extend its long neck a few moments before striking.

Similar Species: Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)

Description: The Snowy Egret is a smaller bird, that has yellow legs with some black markings. It feeds on smaller prey; from fish, to small crustaceans, and kelp flies.

Great Egret feeding on fish (above), and on a mouse (at left.)