Great White Egret
Ardea alba
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Great White Egret is a striking, tall, wading bird with pure white plumage. It has a long, slender neck, a dagger-like yellow bill, and long black legs. During the breeding season, it develops long, filamentous plumes on its back.
Females and males look alike throughout the year, although males tend to be larger and heavier. The bill may turn darker in breeding plumage, and the facial skin becomes green. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults.
Size
Length
80cm to 104cm
Wingspan
131cm to 170cm
Weight
700g to 1.5kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White
Secondary Colour
Yellow
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Great White Egrets inhabit various wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. They have a widespread global distribution found on every continent except Antarctica.
In North America, they're common in the southern United States and along both coasts. In Europe, their range has been expanding northward, with increasing numbers in the UK, particularly in Somerset and East Anglia.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,500 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Great White Egret. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Great White Egret demonstrates remarkable agility in its hunting technique, striking at prey with lightning speed. Its ability to fly at speeds up to 40 km/h and navigate through various wetland habitats also indicates high agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not exceptionally strong for its size, the Great White Egret possesses sufficient strength to carry and manipulate sizeable prey items. Its ability to construct large stick nests and defend territory suggests moderate strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
The Great White Egret's widespread global distribution across various wetland habitats and climate zones indicates high adaptability. Its recent range expansion in Europe, including the UK, further demonstrates its capacity to adapt to new environments.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally not considered an aggressive species, the Great White Egret can display territorial behaviour during breeding season. Its ability to defend nesting sites and compete for food resources suggests moderate aggressiveness when necessary.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Great White Egret's ability to stand motionless for long periods whilst hunting, coupled with its capacity for long-distance flight during migration, indicates good endurance. Its lifespan of 15-20 years also suggests robust endurance.
Diet
Great White Egrets are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming fish, amphibians, and small reptiles. They also eat small mammals, insects, and other birds. Their hunting technique involves standing still in water up to about a foot (0.3m) deep or slowly stalking prey before quickly striking with their sharp bill.
Behaviour
Great White Egrets are often seen standing motionless in shallow water, waiting to strike at prey with lightning speed. They are generally solitary feeders but may gather in small groups during breeding season. These birds fly with slow wingbeats, their necks folded in an S-shape, distinguishing them from cranes.
Vocalisation
Great White Egrets are generally silent, but during breeding season, they become more vocal. Their calls include a low, hoarse croak or 'frahnk' sound, often heard at rookeries. During courtship, they may produce a series of clicking or snapping sounds with their bill.
Nesting & Breeding
Great White Egrets typically breed in colonies, often with other heron species. Pair formation begins with elaborate courtship displays, including neck stretching and feather erection. The breeding season varies by location but often occurs in spring and summer.
Nests are large platforms of sticks, usually built in trees or tall shrubs near water. Females lay 3-4 pale blue-green eggs, and both parents share incubation duties.
Incubation lasts about 23-26 days. Chicks fledge after 6-7 weeks but may return to the nest for several more weeks to be fed.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern globally, Great White Egrets faced severe declines in the past due to hunting for their plumes.
Conservation efforts, including habitat protection and hunting regulations, have helped populations recover in many areas. However, wetland loss remains a concern.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
590,000 - 2,200,000 mature individuals [2]
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in shallow waters of wetlands, marshes, and coastal areas
- Observe their patient hunting technique, standing still for long periods
- During the breeding season, watch for their elaborate courtship displays in rookeries
- In the UK, visit Somerset Levels or East Anglian fens for sightings
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- Great White Egrets can strike and swallow prey in less than 1/20th of a second.
- They were once hunted nearly to extinction for their plumes, which were used in fashion.
- These birds can fly at speeds up to 40 km/h (25 mph).
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Ardea alba (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22697043A155465940.
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