DISTRIBUTION:

The Great White Egret (Ardea alba) has a practically world wide distribution, absent only from the arctic regions.

ELEVATION:

Normally it remains between sea level and 1500 meters, but it has been seen as high as 4100 meters of elevation.

DISPLACEMENTS:

The populations nesting to the north, and at least some to the south, migrate to spend winter in warmer regions. The other populations are sedentary.

STATUS:

Common at present. Towards the end of the 19 century in many places it has hunted to almost extinction.

HABITAT:

Water edge of rivers, lakes and other water deposits, could be fresh water, brackish and saltwater. Frequent in the marshes and other places covered by not too deep water.

BEHAVIOR:

It is seen alone and in large congregations.

FLIGHT:

Once it becomes stable, beats the wings slowly. The neck is maintained curved, the head and beak extend forward beyond the body. Legs are extended backwards, extending beyond the tail.

REPRODUCTION:

Nests in multi egret species colonies. Builds the nest over all type of vegetation. The clutch is from one to six sky blue or greenish blue eggs. Incubation takes about 25 days and both parents participate. The chicks start leaving the nest at 21 days, becoming independent at about six weeks.

FOOD:

The basic diet is made up of fish, frogs and reptiles. It also eats small mammals, small birds, crustaceans, mollusks and worms.

Normally fish during the day time, although it is possible to see it fishing at night if there is moonlight.

OTHER NAMES:

The Great White Egret in Spanish is called Garza Blanca, Garceta Grande, Garza Blanca Real, Garza Grande, Garza Real, Garzón and Garzón Blanco.