Great Egret (Ardea alba)

                                                                                           Photos by BarrytheBirder

A large white egret (but slightly smaller than the Great Blue Heron) is the most widespread white egret in the southern part of Canada and the U.S.A.   It has a heavy yellow bill, blackish legs and feet.  In breeding plumage, long plumes trail from the back, extending beyond the tail.

They are common in marshes, mangrove swamps and mud flats.   They are partial to open habitats for feeding, where they stalk prey slowly and methodically.

My favourite spot to view these birds is at the Luther Marsh, west of Orangeville, Ontario, north of Hwy. 9.

This bird was formerly called the Common Egret and American Egret.