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Step 1
Learn about the habitat and range of the Great Egret. This impressive bird lives on six continents around the world including North America, South America, Australia, Asia, Europe and Africa.
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Step 2
Look for the Great Egret along the western coast of the United States and Mexico and in the Mississippi River valley and eastward. The Great Egret lives near water, including swamps, rivers, ponds, marshes, lakes, canals and tidal flats. It can also be seen in fields that have been flooded after heavy rains.
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Step 3
Observe the Great Egret's physical appearance. This type of Heron is an all white bird that has black feet and long black legs. It has a bill that is straight, long and yellow. The bill may have a slightly darkened top edge as well. The tail of the Great Egret is square, and the wings are broad and pointed. During breeding, the Great Egret has long white plumes extending out from its back. Male and female Great Egrets appear similar.
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Step 4
Marvel at the size of this large bird. Great Egrets are large Herons that range from 37- to 40-inches tall. They have a wingspan of 51 to 55 inches, and they typically weigh around 2.2 pounds.
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Step 5
Listen for the low and deep sounds that resemble croaking noises. These sounds are most often heard when the bird is disturbed or when the bird is near its nest.
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Step 6
Watch the Great Egret in flight. This bird is a direct flyer and it exhibits slow and steady wing movements during flight. Also, the neck of the Great Egret looks like a S-shaped curve during flight.
