The great egret is a large heron with all-white plumage. Standing up to 3 1/2 feet tall, this species can measure 31 to 41 inches in length and have a wingspan of 4 to 5 1/2 feet. Body mass can range from 1.5 to 3.3 lb. 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. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. Males and females are identical in appearance; juveniles look like nonbreeding adults. Differentiated from the intermediate egret (Mesophoyx intermedius) by the gape, which extends well beyond the back of the eye in case of the great egret, but ends just behind the eye in case of the intermediate egret.
It has a slow flight, with its neck retracted. This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and distinguishes them from storks, cranes, ibises, and spoonbills, which extend their necks in flight. The great egret walks with its neck extended and wings held close. The great egret is not normally a vocal bird; it gives a low, hoarse croak when disturbed, or as it lands, and at breeding colonies, it often gives a loud croaking cuk cuk cuk and higher-pitched squawks.
3. On takeoff.
4. On the hunt for dinner.
5. Just hanging out, watching the world go by.
7. Hanging out with the lady on the right. She has on her breeding togs.
8. Hope there is lunch down there.
9. Checking out behind the mangroves.
10. Stretching.
11. Preening.
12. Out my back window, one guy and three ladies.
13. The guy selects and brings the sticks, lady may or may not respond.
14. Careful!
15. Junior fledgling.
ROOKERY
16. Baby not ready to leave the nest, but close.
17. Two best buds at the nest site.
18. Three amigos asking mom for food.
19. Fine feathers on the wing.
20. Mom feeding one youngster.
21. Mom off to get more food.
22. Graceful flight.
23. OK, the other way!
Fort DeSoto
24. And back.
25. Landing gear down.
26. Pair
27. Adult
28. A couple of babies.
28. A flock flew over.
28. A reflection.
28. Swallowing a fush.
28. A portrait with a water drop on the tip of his beak.
28. Soft landing
29. Just landed, all fluffed up.
30. Hunting
31. Stretched out
31. Posing
32. Striking
33. Found something.
35.
36.
38. On the wing.
39. Adjusting.
40. Settling in.
41. Preening
42. Checking out the branch below.
