The great white egret (Ardea alba) is a large, elegant wading bird found across much of the world. With its snowy white plumage, distinctive yellow bill, and black legs, the great white egret is unmistakable. But how exactly can you identify one? Here are some tips for recognizing a great white egret.
Size
Great white egrets are relatively large birds, with adults reaching 36-49 inches (91-124 cm) in height and weighing around 2-3.6 lbs (1-1.6 kg). This makes them one of the largest herons in the world. When observing white egrets in the field, look for taller birds with long legs and necks, as their large size helps distinguish them from smaller egrets and herons.
Coloration
As the name suggests, great white egrets have snowy white plumage, unlike some other herons which may show grayish or bluish tints. Their beautiful white feathers extend all over their body, including the head, neck, back, wings, belly and tail. Adult great white egrets will have all white feathers, while juveniles may show some black feathering before their first molt. If you spot an elegant white wading bird, it’s likely a great white egret.
Bill
Great white egrets have a long, thick, pointed yellow bill which helps differentiate them from other white herons. The bill is bright yellow in color. It may show some darker markings at the base or on the culmen (ridge on top of bill), but the majority of the bill will appear yellow. This vibrant bill sets it apart from juvenile little egrets which have two-toned bills that are black on top and yellow below.
Legs
Great white egrets have black legs, unlike some white herons which have yellowish or greenish legs. The legs are long and well-suited for wading. When observing in the field, look for a white heron standing on black skinny legs in shallow water for a great white egret. The black coloration extends from their feet up their long tibias and partially onto their feathery thighs.
Facial Features
Great white egrets have bold black lores (stripes from the bill to the eye) and bright yellow irises which stand out against their white head. Their skin around their eyes may appear bluish-green. The area between the eye and bill is often a vibrant lime green color. When seen up close, these facial features can help confirm the identification.
Range
Great white egrets have an extensive global range across North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. They inhabit wetlands, marshes, streams, ponds and other waterbodies. If you spot a large white heron in areas where great white egrets are known to occur, chances are good it is this species. Knowing their range and habitat preferences can aid with identification.
Behavior
Observing the behavior of a great white egret can provide additional confirmation to an identification. Here are some behavioral clues:
Feeding
Great white egrets often stand motionless in shallow water waiting to ambush prey. They primarily feed on fish, aquatic invertebrates and amphibians. When they spot prey, they rapidly jab their bill down to capture it. They may shuffle their feet or move slowly when foraging, stirring up food. Watch for a patient yet focused hunting style.
Flight
In flight, great white egrets show slow, deep wing beats and often fly with their neck pulled back in an S-shape. Their long legs trail behind their tail in flight. Flocks may form long undulating lines as they migrate. Observe their graceful flight style for identification tips.
Socializing
Great white egrets are colonial nesters, so they may gather in large breeding groups. But when feeding, they are often solitary. Watch for a white heron pursuing prey alone or standing apart from other wading birds. Pairs may perform elaborate mating displays.
Nesting
Great white egrets build platform nests high up in trees near water using sticks. Their breeding colonies called heronries can include other herons and egrets. If you spot a white heron adding sticks to a tree nest or guarding a group of nests, it’s likely a great white egret.
Similar Species
Several other herons share the great white egret’s range and could potentially cause confusion. Compare to these similar species:
Great Egret
The great egret (Ardea alba) was previously considered the same species as the great white egret. They occupy the same habitats and have identical size and proportions. The difference lies in their geographic ranges – great egrets occur in the New World while great white egrets occupy the Old World. If viewing in the Americas, a large white heron is a great egret. In Europe/Africa/Asia, it’s a great white egret.
| Species | Range |
| Great Egret | Americas |
| Great White Egret | Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia |
Intermediate Egret
Intermediate egrets (Egretta intermedia) overlap in range with great white egrets in Africa, Australasia and Asia. They are smaller (25-30 in; 63-76 cm) with a slimmer build, thinner neck and dagger-like bill. Their legs are black but their facial skin is grayish. Context clues like size can help distinguish these species.
Little Egret
Little egrets (Egretta garzetta) are much smaller (22 in; 55 cm) and have an all black bill and yellow feet. Breeding little egrets develop long white ornamental feathers on their head, chest and back. These delicate plumes set them apart from great white egrets.
Snowy Egret
In North America, snowy egrets (Egretta thula) overlap with great egrets. Snowy egrets are notably smaller, have yellow feet and dark legs with bright yellow soles. Juvenile snowy egrets have a two-tone bill while great egrets always show clean yellow. Context clues like size, bill color and leg color can assist with identification.
Conclusion
The great white egret is readily identified by its large size, snow white plumage, bright yellow bill, black legs and stately grace. Comparing size, proportions, color patterns, geographic range and behavior against similar species allows certain identification. With a little practice, the great white egret’s elegant silhouette will become a familiar sight. Getting to know this beautiful heron provides a window into the captivating lives of waterbirds across the world.
