| Range: |
Eurasia, New Guinea, Australia, Africa, South America, North America |
| Habitat: |
Marshes, swamps, mangroves, reedbeds, lakes, rivers |
| Conservation Status: |
Not listed by IUCN |
| Scientific Name: |
Egretta alba |
This wading bird is often confused with the Snowy Egret, since the two birds look alike and live side-by-side in parts of their ranges. But the great egret is a larger bird with a 50-inch wingspan; in fact, it's America's second largest member of the heron family (after the great blue heron). The great egret also has a yellow bill, long black legs, and black feet (the snowy's feet are bright yellow).
Great egrets live in both freshwater wetlands and in shallow coastal waters. They are patient fishermen, and can often be seen standing motionless in the water in search of fish, crabs, snakes, or frogs. When they spot a victim, they quickly stab their long bill into the water, usually coming up with a tasty meal.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the great egret was killed in large numbers for its long breeding feathers, used to adorn women's hats. Since it was protected by law, the species has almost recovered to its former numbers.
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