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Great Egret (Ardea alba)

The Great Egret 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 and a variety of aquatic invertebrates.

At a Glance – Great Egret

What makes the Great Egret such a striking bird to see in the wild?

The Great Egret stands out for its elegant white feathers and graceful movements.

• Appearance: Large heron with pure white plumage, long neck, and yellow bill.
• Movement: Known for its slow, deliberate wading in shallow water.
• Contrast: Its black legs and feet make the bright white body even more noticeable.
• Presence: A familiar yet majestic sight in wetlands and lakes across many continents.

Where can I observe the Great Egret around Montréal?

You can spot Great Egrets from spring to autumn in several local parks.

• Key locations: Parc des Rapides, Parc Angrignon, and Parc de la Frayère.
• Seasonality: Most active between May and October.
• Habitat: Prefers calm waters like ponds, marshes, and riverbanks.

Do Québec’s Great Egrets migrate during the year?

Yes. Great Egrets observed in Québec are seasonal migrants.

• Timing: They typically depart Québec in early autumn (October) and return in May.
• Reason: As wetlands, rivers, and lakes freeze, they migrate south to access ice-free feeding grounds.

How does the Great Egret population in Québec help balance wetland ecosystems?

Through its feeding behavior, it plays an active role in regulating wetland food webs.

• Predator role: Controls populations of small fish, crayfish, and aquatic insects, preventing localized overabundance.
• Trophic mediator: By feeding on a wide range of prey, it spreads predation pressure and helps stabilize the food web.

Best Locations and Seasons for Sightings

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

"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 my park visit journals.

Identification and Similar Species

The Great Egret is easily recognizable by its striking all-white plumage, long yellow bill, and contrasting black legs and feet. These features allow it to be readily distinguished from other common herons found in Québec wetlands, including:

• Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) – Larger overall, with grey-blue plumage
• Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Smaller, stockier, with a dark grey back and black crown
• Green Heron (Butorides virescens) – Smaller and less common, with green, olive, and brown plumage

Captured Moments

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

All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz

Last updated: 2026-01-08