Great egret

Introduction: Great egrets (Egretta alba) are often observed in more shallow open waters such as lakes, rivers, flooded grassland, rivers, estuaries and saltpans. Dams and sewage works are also favoured but rarely in marine habitats.

Distribution: Mainly central and northern recordings including Etosha National Park, Epupa Falls, Kunene River, Rundu, Caprivi, Chobe/Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, Walvis Bay and Kaudom Game Park.

Diet: Hunts by day in shallow water for mostly fish and amphibians but also eats insects, reptiles, small mammals and birds. Follows the movements of the hippopotamus as it disturbs prey.

Description: The great egret is larger than all of the other white egrets and their long legs extend beyond the tail in flight. They stand as tall as the grey heron and are overall white in colour. Other distinguishing features include a kinked neck and long lower neck and breast plumes.

Breeding: Females lay between 2 and 5 eggs on a saucer-shaped nest built of reeds and sticks and lined with rushes and plant stems.

Size: 95cm.

Weight: 1.1kg.