About the Great Egret
The great egret, also known as the common egret, large egret, great white egret, or great white heron, is a large, widely distributed egret. The four subspecies are found in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe. Recently, it has also been spreading to more northern areas of Europe. Distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world, it builds tree nests in colonies close to water.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The great egret is a large heron with all-white plumage. Standing up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) tall, this species can measure 80 to 104 cm (31 to 41 in) in length with a wingspan of 131 to 170 cm (52 to 67 in). Body mass can range from 700 to 1,500 g (25 to 53 oz), with an average around 1,000 g (35 oz). It is thus only slightly smaller than the great blue or grey heron (A. cinerea). Apart from size, the great egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet, though the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Great Egret sounds like
Where the Great Egret lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Eritrea.
When to see the Great Egret
Peak activity in May · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Great Blue HeronArdea herodiasThe great blue heron is the largest heron native to North America.
Grey HeronArdea cinereaThe grey heron is a large bird, standing up to 100 cm (40 in) tall and measuring 84–102 cm (33–40 in) long with a 155–195 cm (61–77 in) wingspan.
Purple HeronArdea purpureaThe purple heron is a large bird, 78–97 cm (31–38 in) in length with a standing height from 70 to 94 cm (28 to 37 in) and a 120–152 cm (47–60 in) wingspan.
Side by side: Great Blue Heron vs Great Egret · Great Egret vs Grey Heron · Great Egret vs Purple Heron
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