Herons, Egrets

Great Egret, Ardea alba

Family Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets)

Size: 38"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Freshwater and saltwater marshes

A beautiful and stately bird, the great egret is all white with a long, thin yellow bill and long black legs. It develops long, lacy plumes across its back during the breeding season. Stalking slowly, it pursues fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals. The adult is illustrated.