Great Egret

scientific name

casmerodius albus

size/weight/height

height: 35 in to 41in. -
bill length: 4.5 in - 5 in.
wingspan: 55 in.
weight: 2-3 lbs. 16"

adaptations/coloration

Color: all white with yellow bill & black legs - lacy white plumes on both male and female during mating season
Vocalization: harsh low "corr"
Behavior: feeds alone in shallow water

reproduction/life span

Breeding. breeding season April-July
Nest: in colonies often with other heron species - nest is a platform of sticks in tree or bush
Eggs: pale blue eggs
Incubation: 25 days
Fledgling period: 40 days wš
Mature: 2 yrs
Lifespan: up to 22 yrs

diet

Wild. fish, frogs, snakes, crayfish
Zoo. fish

habitat/range

Oregon, Wisconsin and Massachusetts to southern South America - fresh and salt water marshes, marshy ponds, tidal flats

status

common

other

Hunted almost to extinction in late 19th/early 20th century for mating plumes used in ladies hats. Four birds killed for 1oz. of plumes which sold for $32/oz, twice the price of gold

oregon zoo exhibit

Cascades Aviary

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