Great Egret

Adult

Long-legged wading bird with a long, S-curved neck and a daggerlike bill.

Breeding adult

During the breeding season, long feathery plumes grow from its back, called aigrettes which they hold up during courtship displays.

Adult

Slowly walks through freshwater or estuarine habitats hunting foraging with stand-and-wait techniques.

Adult

Flies with its long neck tucked in and its long legs trailing behind.

Adult

Wades through water slowly stalking fish, amphibians, and other aquatic invertebrates.

Adult

Great Egrets are opportunistic foragers. They primarily consume fish, but also eat crustaceans, amphibians, and small mammals.

Adult with Snowy Egret

Larger than a Snowy Egret with a yellow bill and entirely black legs and feet.

Habitat

Found in both freshwater and saltwater wetlands.

Breeding adult with Roseate Spoonbills

Males perform elegant courtship displays by raising long plumes on their backs. Displays also include head bowing or neck stretching.

Great Egrets while solitary foragers, roost and nest in mixed-species colonies in trees and shrubs.