The great white egret (lat. Egretta alba), known also as simply the great egret is a waterfowl, a species of large heron, which is also found in the Greek area. It is widespread in Asia, Africa, America, and Australia. In Europe, it occurs as a migratory bird mainly in the Southeast Mediterranean areas, in its breeding and wintering grounds.
It lives in coastal wetlands, along the coasts, as well as on the banks of rivers, lakes, marshes, flooded areas, meandering rivers, as well as in streams, wetlands, and rice fields.
The great white egret is one of the largest herons (after only the gray heron) and stands out for its impressive snow-white color, its characteristic yellow beak, and its black-green tarsus.
Today, the species is threatened by wetland degradation and habitat loss.
Birds of Greece / Ornithofiloi (video)
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