Great Egret (Common Egret, Large Egret, White Heron)
Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Pelecaniformes; Family: Ardeidae; Genus: Ardea; Species: Ardea alba · Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) · Flight feather (Secondary remex)
Species
Ardea alba
Feather Type
Flight feather (Secondary remex)
Family
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
Shape
Broad and slightly asymmetrical with a rounded tip; the inner vane is wider than the outer vane, indicating a secondary wing feather.
Size
Approximately 7-9 inches (18-23 cm) in length. This is consistent with the secondary feathers of a Great Egret, which are significantly smaller than the primary flight feathers.
Rarity
Common; Great Egrets are widespread and their populations have recovered significantly since the early 20th century.
Color & Pattern
Pure stark white with no markings, spots, or banding. The feather relies on structural white (refraction of light through air pockets in the barbs) rather than pigment.
Barb Structure
Mostly pennaceous and tightly interlocked for flight efficiency, with a small plumulaceous (downy) section at the base near the calamus.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and somewhat stiff but flexible. The surface has a matte to slightly satiny finish typical of waterbirds.
Description
This is a elegant white wing feather from a Great Egret, a tall wading bird with a wingspan of up to 5 feet. The bird is entirely white with a yellow bill and black legs.
Key Features
Large size, pure white coloration, lack of specialized owl-like silencers, and a thick white rachis.
Habitat
Freshwater and saltwater wetlands, including marshes, ponds, tidal flats, and lake shores.
Geographic Range
Globally distributed across tropical and temperate regions; in North America, they breed in the south and migrate to the northern US in summer.
Condition Notes
Good condition; minor separation of the barbs (venting) suggests it was a naturally molted feather that may have experienced some wind or handling wear.
Interesting Facts
The Great Egret is the symbol of the National Audubon Society, chosen because the bird was nearly hunted to extinction for its plumes in the 19th century.
Ecological Role
Apex predator in wetland ecosystems, controlling populations of fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects.
Similar Species
Snowy Egret feathers are smaller; Great Blue Heron feathers are slate-gray; Cattle Egret feathers are shorter and may have buff tones.