This large wading bird currently belongs in the same genus as the Great Blue Heron but is a little smaller (and, of course, white). Widespread in the U.S. Typical range in the west is as far north as Oregon. Some migratory movement to as far south as Central America. Feeds on a typical heron diet of mainly fish and amphibians.
Similar species:
Being large and white dramatically limits the number of contenders in determining species. The Snowy Egret, with only one or two records in our area, is similar but quite small in comparison. An albino Great Blue Heron would look similar but would be extremely rare and arguably more of an interesting find than a Great Egret would be.
Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Noteworthy Data
Date | Location | Source(s) | Comments |
| 06-September-2010 | Chehalis Flats, Harrison Mills | K. Stewart, 2010 T. Cadieux, 2010 | Initially two birds were seen on the first day (T. Cadieux, 2010). One was flushed and few downstream while the other remained on the flats. The remaining bird was seen daily until September 14, 2010. Photographed |
| August 3, 2001 | Willband Creek Park, Abbotsford | L. Miller, 2001a | Same bird as June 2001 |
| June, 2001 | Abbotsford | L. Miller, 2001 | |
| December 25, 1997 | Camp River Slough, Chilliwack | G. Gadsden, 1997a | Reported earlier to Denis Knopp. Possibly the same bird as November 30, 1997. Photographed. |
| November 30, 1997 | Agassiz | G. Gadsden, 1997 | In slough at the north end of the Agassiz/Rosedale Bridge. |
| January 12, 1996 | Hogan Park, Abbotsford | G. Gadsden, 1996 D. Knopp, 1996 | Same bird as below? Photographed. |
| January 1, 1995 | Sumas Prarie, Abbotsford | G. Ryder, 1995 | Last reported July 7, 1995 . Photographed. |
| August 19, 1992 | Vedder Canal, Chilliwack | W. Remple, 1992 | Two birds reported. |
Photos
