Common Name: Great Egret

Distribution: Great Egrets occur throughout most of the world. They are common throughout Australia, with the exception of the most arid areas.

Ecological Notes: Great Egrets prefer shallow water, particularly when flowing, but may be seen on any watered area, including damp grasslands, along estuarine margins and on sandbanks. Typically feeds alone preying on molluscs, amphibians, aquatic insects, small reptiles, crustaceans with fish comprising the bulk of its diet.

Additional Notes: Prey is captured whilst the bird wades through shallows, or stands motionless, before stabbing at prey. The largest of the Australian White Herons, grows to a height of between 800 – 900 mm.

References: Atlas of Living Australia at Great Egret  Accessed 29 July 2020.

eBird at https://ebird.org/species/greegr/ Accessed 21 July 2020.