Birds

Formerly known as the "American Egret," "Common Egret," " Large Egret," " White Egret," " Great White Egret," and " Great White Heron," this bird's official name in North America is now Great Egret. One of the most magnificent of our herons, it has fortunately recovered from historic persecution by plume hunters. Like the Great Blue Heron, it usually feeds alone, stalking fish, frogs, snakes, and crayfish in shallow water. Each summer many individuals, especially young ones,wander far north of the breeding grounds.

Great Egret

Description	35-41". W. 4'7". A large, all-white heron with a yellow bill and black legs. In breeding plumage, has long lacy plumes on back. In southern Florida, white form of Great Blue Heron, known as "Great White Heron," is similar but larger, with greenish- yellow legs. Much smaller Snowy Egret has black bill and black legs with yellow feet.
Voice	A guttural croak. Also loud squawks at nesting colonies.
Habitat	Freshwater and salt marshes, marshy ponds, and tidal flats.
Nesting	3-5 pale blue-green eggs on a platform of sticks in a tree or bush. Nests in colonies, often with other species of herons.
Other	Formerly known as the "American Egret," "Common Egret," " Large Egret," " White Egret," " Great White Egret," and " Great White Heron," this bird's official name in North America is now Great Egret. One of the most magnificent of our herons, it has fortunately recovered from historic persecution by plume hunters. Like the Great Blue Heron, it usually feeds alone, stalking fish, frogs, snakes, and crayfish in shallow water. Each summer many individuals, especially young ones,wander far north of the breeding grounds.
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