Great Egret (Casmerodius albus)

A large heron with a stout yellow bill and black legs.Breeding birds have trailing white feathers on their back which led to them almost widely hunted for these plumes. Now common in marshes, mangrove swamps and mudflats in much of the USA, where they stalk their prey slowly, using their long necks to reach forward to stab fish and frogs.


A typical pose, motionless whilst it waits for passing prey to come within reach.
Shark Valley, Everglades National Park, Florida.

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The green patch in front of the eye is only present during the breeding season. Shark Valley, Everglades National Park, Florida.

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