The largest egret in North America; has a very long neck and long legs with all-white plumage. Breeding adult: white head, pale iris, light greenish lores. Long, yellow-orange bill. Long, white neck with plumes at base. Slim white body with long white plumes hanging from back and long, dark legs. Juvenile and non-breeding: similar to breeding adult, but no plumes, and yellowish lores.

Length: 99 (cm) Wingspan: 130 (cm)

Voice:

Rarely calls. When flushed, occasionally gives a low-pitched guttural squawk.

Habitat:

Any shallow water, wet meadows or mudflats including tidal flats. Uses trees and large shrubs near water for nesting.

Behavior:

Stalks prey slowly, then lunges and grabs it, swallowing prey whole. Nests in mixed colonies.

Feeding:

Diet consists of fish, crayfish, amphibians, small birds, small mammals, and invertebrates.