Watercolor portrait of Great Egret (Ardea alba)

Great Egret

Ardea alba
Breeds on every continent except Antarct… Freshwater and saltwater wetlands includ… common Rookery Display Grunt

Learn to identify the Great Egret by ear. Master the "low rrah-rrah-rrah" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“low rrah-rrah-rrah”

What the Great Egret sounds like

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.

“low rrah-rrah-rrah”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A series of low, harsh grunts given at the nest during courtship displays; not musical. Often written as “low rrah-rrah-rrah”.
Don't confuse with:The Snowy Egret — smaller (half the mass)

Where you'll hear it

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.

Similar species

Snowy Egret

Smaller (half the mass)

Great White Heron (white morph of Great Blue Heron)

Much heavier and larger bill

Cattle Egret

Noticeably shorter neck and stockier build

Great Egret sound FAQ

What does a Great Egret sound like?
A series of low, harsh grunts given at the nest during courtship displays; not musical. Listen for the "low rrah-rrah-rrah" phrase.
How do I tell a Great Egret from a Snowy Egret by sound?
Snowy Egret: Smaller (half the mass); Slender black bill; Bright yellow feet contrasting black legs; Often active, foot-stirring feeding style.
When is the best time to hear a Great Egret?
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.