The distinction between a heron and an egret is rather vague, and depends more on appearance than biology. The word "egret" comes from the French word aigrette that means both "silver heron" and "brush", referring to the long, filamentous feathers that seem to cascade down an egret's back during the breeding season (also called "egrets").

The elegant Great Egret is a dazzling sight in many a North American wetland. Slightly smaller and more svelte than a Great Blue Heron, these are still large birds with impressive wingspans. They hunt in classic heron fashion, standing immobile or wading through wetlands to capture fish with a deadly jab of their yellow bill.

May 22, 2024 · In the U.S. and Canada, there are 10 heron and egret species you’re likely to find, with more found in the south. These are nearly all water birds, so look for them at the beach, along the river’s edge, and in marshy wetlands.

Nearly wiped out in the United States in the late 1800s, when its plumes were sought for use in fashion, the Great Egret made a comeback after early conservationists put a stop to the slaughter and protected its colonies; as a result, this bird became the symbol of …

The Little Egret (Egreta garceta), a rare vagrant egret in parts of the northeast, is not included. Cattle Egret Length: 20″ | Wingspan: 36″ | Weight: 12 oz Map by Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The Cattle Egret is the smallest white egret. Thicker yellow bill and shorter neck than other herons. Regularly found in highland habitats near livestock.

The elegant Great Egret is a dazzling sight in many a North American wetland. Slightly smaller and more svelte than a Great Blue Heron, these are still large birds with impressive wingspans. They hunt in classic heron fashion, standing immobile or wading through wetlands to capture fish with a deadly jab of their yellow bill.

The great egret (Ardea alba), also known as the common egret, large egret, great white egret, [2] or great white heron, [3] [4] [5] is a large, widely distributed egret. The four subspecies are found in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe.

Everything you should know about the Egret. The Egret is a long-legged aquatic bird with long legs, and a long, slender neck.

Mar 4, 2025 · egret, any member of several species of herons (family Ardeidae, order Ciconiiformes), especially members of the genus Egretta. Most egrets have white plumage and develop long ornamental nuptial plumes for the breeding season.

Discover 10 types of egret with their unique features, traits, and habitats. Explore these graceful birds and learn what makes each species special.