Great Egret

Several birds trade thick croaks and sharper squeaks, turning the courting group into a rough little chorus.

Breeds on every continent except Antarctica; in North America breeds across the continent south of southern Canada and winters from the southern United States southward. Populations in the tropics are largely resident, while northern breeders migrate south.

Freshwater and saltwater wetlands including marshes, ponds, lakeshores, mangroves, flooded fields, and coastal tidal flats.

Breeding occurs spring-summer in temperate regions. Post-breeding dispersal may take birds far from colonies. Migration peaks Aug–Oct southbound and Feb–Apr northbound in North America.

A tall, stately white heron with a dagger-like yellow bill and long black legs. Graceful in flight and during slow, deliberate stalking through shallow water, the Great Egret is a familiar wetland inhabitant across much of the world.