Great Egret (Common Egret, Large Egret, Great White Heron)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Pelecaniformes, Family: Ardeidae, Genus: Ardea, Species: Ardea alba
Family: Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
- Shape
- Lanceolate; elongated with a tapered, pointed tip and a slightly asymmetrical base.
- Size
- Estimated 4.5 to 6 inches in length. This is consistent with a small scapular or back contour feather for an adult Great Egret.
- Rarity
- Common in appropriate wetland habitats, though they were once nearly hunted to extinction.
Found a feather like this?
Identify any feather from a photo, free.
Description
A striking, large white heron with a yellow bill and black legs. Its feathers are famously pure white. During breeding season, they grow long, lacy plumes called aigrettes from their backs, which they fan out during courtship displays.
Colour & Pattern
Pure stark white with no visible banding or markings. The rachis is also white, which is typical for all Ardea alba feathers regardless of age.
Barb Structure
Mostly pennaceous at the tip with long, loose plumulaceous barbs toward the base (calamus). The barbs are delicate and hair-like, characteristic of the 'aigrette' style feathers used in display.
Texture & Surface
Silky, soft, and lightweight. The surface appears matte with a slight natural bloom; it is not as oily as waterfowl feathers but semi-water-resistant.
Key Features
Immaculate white color, long wispy barbs at the base, and a very flexible, thin white rachis.
Habitat
Freshwater and saltwater wetlands: marshes, ponds, tidal flats, lake shores, and river banks.
Geographic Range
Found on all continents except Antarctica. In North America, they range from the southern US to the northern US and southern Canada during breeding season, migrating south for winter.
Ecological Role
Top-tier aquatic predator; they control fish, amphibian, and crustacean populations. They are sensitive to water quality and serve as bioindicators.
Similar Species
Snowy Egret (Ardea thula) feathers are similar but usually smaller and more recurved (curly); Great Blue Heron 'white morph' feathers are larger and thicker.
Interesting Facts
The Great Egret is the symbol of the National Audubon Society; it was chosen because the bird's population was decimated by plume hunters in the late 19th century.
Condition Notes
Good condition; minor separation of the barbs at the tip indicates natural wear or 'preening' gaps. No significant fault bars visible.