Flying Egret

Featured animal: Great egret (Ardea alba)

Photo credit: None

Location:  India

The great egret is a large heron with all-white plumage. The great egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet. It has a slow flight, with its neck retracted. The great egret forages in shallow water or in drier habitats, feeding mainly on fish, frogs, small mammals, and occasionally small reptiles, crustaceans and insects. This species normally impales its prey with its long, sharp bill by standing still and allowing the prey to come within the striking distance of its bill, which it uses as a spear. It often waits motionless for prey, or slowly stalks its victim. Usually seen in any shallow wetland, including ponds, marshes, and tidal mudflats.