The great egret is a majestic white wading bird that can be found near water sources, both salt and fresh. It has a long neck and a wingspan of up to 1.7 meters (67 inches). Its body mass can range from 700 to 1,360 grams (32 to 48 ounces). The great egret is the symbol of the National Audubon Society, one of the oldest environmental organizations in North America.
During the breeding season, great egrets live in colonies and build nests up to 100 feet off the ground. They feed on small fishes, snakes, amphibians, invertebrates and other aquatic organisms. Great egrets catch their prey by walking slowly or standing still in shallow water and then quickly striking out with their long necks and sharp bills.
These birds lay 1-2 broods of eggs per season which measure 2.2-2.4 inches (5.5-6 cm) in length and 1.6-1.7 inches (4-4.3 cm) in width. The incubation period for these eggs is 23-27 days while the nestling period lasts for about 3 weeks before they are ready to fledge from the nest.
Sources
- https://seaworld.org/animals/facts/birds/egrets/
- https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Egret/overview
- https://www.allaboutbirds
