The Great Egret is a large, all white, wading bird common in Florida. Body length to 39 inches, with a 55 inch wingspan.
One of several white members of the Ardeidae (Heron) family present in Florida the Great Egret is distinguished from the white morph of the Great Blue Heron by having black legs and feet, the Snowy Egret has a black bill and yellow feet and the Reddish Egret, (white morph) which has a black tipped bill and smaller stature. Breeding individuals have long plumes on their backs, and will display a pretty greenish to blue/yellow lore.
I found this one "sporting" its breeding colors in my backyard. Polk County, Florida.
Loading contexts...