Great Egret – 8/21/12

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 8/21/12

Observation Time: 5:30 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond

Common Name: Great Egret

Scientific Name: Ardea alba

Comments: The great egret, symbol of the National Audubon Society, is almost as big as a great blue heron, but it is pure white. The legs are black and the beak is yellow. They summer in North America, where they nest, and winter in Central and South America.

Great egrets are easily confused with the white-phase great blue heron, but great egrets have black legs while white-phase great blue herons have much lighter legs. Herons also have slightly heavier beaks and “shaggier” feathers on their breast.

More Information: All About Birds