Great egret

Ardea alba

The great egret (Ardea alba), also known as the common egret, large egret, great white egret, or great white heron, is a large, widely distributed egret.

Family: heron Order: Pelecaniformes Conservation: Least Concern
Great egret

About the Great egret

The great egret (Ardea alba), also known as the common egret, large egret, great white egret, or great white heron, is a large, widely distributed egret. The four subspecies are found in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe. Recently, it has also been spreading to more northern areas of Europe. Distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world, it builds tree nests in colonies close to water.

Fun Facts About Great egret

  • Distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world, it builds tree nests in colonies close to water.

Conservation Status

The Great egret is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

OrderPelecaniformes
Familyheron
GenusArdea
SpeciesArdea alba

Range & Habitat

Range map of Great egret

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Related Species

Other species in the heron family: