Great Egret

Casmerodius albus

Illinois State Threatened Species

The Great Egret is a large wetland wading bird with an average length of 32 inches and a wingspan of 55 inches. Both male and female Egrets tend to be completely white, with long necks often held in an S shape during flight, and yellow beaks. They typically feed on fish and aquatic invertebrates, and less frequently on small amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. They usually build their nests high up in trees and can incubate up to five eggs at a time. The Great Egret is listed as a state threatened bird in Illinois due to human habitat encroachment and destruction of areas viable for feeding and nesting.