The Great Egret is the largest white bird found in most of it’s range.

The great egret’s population was greatly diminished  in the early 1800′s due to plume hunters wanting the Egret’s lacy plumes that form on it’s back and tail during mating season. They are Monogamous and will nest with other wading birds such as The Great Blue Heron.

The Great Egret is a stealthy hunter and prefers to hunt in shallow marshes and wetlands. It will sit very still waiting patiently for it’s food to swim by and then in a flash it strikes it’s food source.  They are very beautiful birds.

This photo was taken at Merritt  Island Wildlife Refuge.

The Great Egret is accompanied by the smaller Little Egret.