Great Egret

     Today's featured feathered friend is the Great Egret.  This large wader can be found near freshwater or saltwater habitats all across the United States.  Great Egrets are tall, long-legged wading birds with long S-curved necks and long dagger-like bills. In flight, the neck is retracted (tucked in) and the legs extend far beyond the tip of their short tail.

        Great Egrets stand nearly 3 1/2 feet tall, measure slightly more than  three feet in length,  weigh around three pounds, with a wingspan of about six feet.  Males and females are similar in appearance.  Their plumage is all white and they can be distinguished from other white egrets by a yellow bill, black legs and black feet.  In breeding plumage the bill may become darker, the lower legs lighter, the facial skin is green, and ornamental feathers (plumes) are displayed on the back.

         By the early 20th century the Great Egret was driven to near extinction in North America.  They were killed by hunters for their plumes used in the fashion industry, until it was banned around 1910.  The National Audubon Society was founded to protect birds from being killed for their feathers.  The Great Egret is the symbol of the National Audubon Society, one of the oldest environmental organizations in North America.

        Enjoy these photos  of the elegant Great Egret.....tweet.....tweet!!

Displaying the long S-shaped neck.
(Taken 6/12/13, The Celery Fields, Sarasota FL)

 

In breeding plumage with green facial skin and darker bill.
(Taken 2/14/12, Beach Road, Englewood FL)

 

Adult with chicks (note the plumes on the adult).
(Taken 5/10/12, The Rookery, Venice FL)

 

In flight with neck retracted, carrying a fish.
(Taken 12/19/12, Myakka River State Park, near Sarasota FL)

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Egret/id

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Egret