Great Egret Ardea alba

Identification
This egret has white plumage and a long yellow bill. It has black legs and a graceful posture.

Location
Uncommon statewide

Size
2 to 3 pounds

Diet
It feeds on fish amphibians and insects.

Habitat
It occurs in wetlands and lakes.

Activity Period
April to October

Behavior
It forages slowly in shallow water. It migrates south in winter.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in colonies.

Population
The population is stable and increasing.

History
It expanded into Ohio during the twentieth century.

Human Interactions
It often feeds near human structures.

Facts
It was once hunted for its plumes.

Sources
ODNR academic sources

Fish amphibians insects | Wetlands marshes lakes | Statewide