| Photo Information |
Copyright: Alaettin KI (TasmaniaC)
![Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 24 W: 1 N: 10]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/s-n-s.gif) (88) |
| Genre: Animals |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2006-04-01 |
| Categories: Birds |
| Exposure: f/3.7, 1/60 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Map: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2008-07-24 5:23 |
| Viewed: 412 |
| Points: 4 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
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Great Egret - Ardea alba
The Great Egret measures 41 to 49 cm, and is the largest of the Australian egrets. The overall plumage is white, and, for most of the year, when not breeding, the bill and facial skin are yellow. The feet are dark olive-grey or sooty black, as are the legs. During the breeding season (October to December), the bill turns mostly black and the facial skin becomes green. Also at this time, long hair-like feathers (nuptial plumes) hang across the lower back, and the legs become pinkish-yellow at the top. Young Great Egrets are similar to the adults, but have a blackish tip to the bill.
The Great Egret can be confused with other white egrets found in Australia. It can be distinguished by the length of its neck, which is greater than the length of its body (and with a noticeable kink two-thirds of the way up), a dark line extending from the base of the bill to behind the eye and the overall larger size.
Distribution and Habitat
Great Egrets occur throughout most of the world. They are common and familiar throughout Australia, with the exception of the most arid areas. Great Egrets prefer shallow water, particularly when flowing, but may be seen on any watered area, including damp grasslands. Great Egrets can be seen alone or in small flocks, often with other egret species, and roost at night in groups.
Food and feeding
The Great Egret usually feeds alone. It feeds on molluscs, amphibians, aquatic insects, small reptiles, crustaceans and occasionally other small animals, but fish make up the bulk of its diet. The Great Egret usually hunts in water, wading through the shallows, or standing motionless before stabbing at prey. Birds have also be seen taking prey while in flight.
Breeding
In Australia, the breeding season of the Great Egret is normally October to December in the south and March to May in the north. This species breeds in colonies, and often in association with cormorants, ibises and other egrets. Both sexes construct the nest, which is a large platform of sticks, placed in a tree over the water. The previous years' nest may often be re-used. Both sexes also incubate the eggs and care for the two to six young (usually two or three). The eggs take almost a month to hatch and the young birds will leave the nest after a further 40 days. |
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