Logo Muuuh Nature and Wildlife Documentaries

muuuh

nature documentaries

Great Egret (Ardea alba) - Jardin Botanique de Montréal - 2022-06-11
Great Egret (Ardea alba) - 2022-06-11

Great Egret (Ardea alba)

The Great Egret (Ardea alba) is a majestic, large heron known for its striking all-white plumage, long yellow bill, and contrasting black legs and feet. This elegant bird is a migratory species in regions like Montreal, where it travels south in late autumn and returns in April, primarily feeding on fish, frogs, and small mammals.

🇫🇷Grande Aigrette
🇩🇪Silberreiher
🇲🇽Garceta grande
Taxonomy
OrderPelecaniformes
FamilyArdeidae

How to Identify

The Great Egret is easily recognizable by its striking all-white plumage. This elegant bird also features a long yellow bill and contrasting black legs and feet, which are key identifiers of the species.

Click on photo to enlarge.

Characteristics

Length80-104cm
Weight0.7-1.5kg
Wingspan131-170cm
Clutch Size1-6 eggs
Incubation23-27 days
Fledging2-3 weeks
Sexual Maturity2 years
SourceWikipedia

Videos

Videos are hosted on YouTube. Click on a thumbnail to watch it.

Where and When to Spot

The Great Egret can be observed from May to October along rivers, lakes, and ponds. It is less common than the Great Blue Heron, with which it shares its feeding habitats.

Observation Records by Park and Season

Location Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Jardin Botanique de Montréal x - - -
Parc Angrignon - x - -
Parc de la Frayère - x - -
Parc des Rapides - x - -

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.