Great White Egret

Ardea alba

(A. a. alba)

Armenian Name:	Սպիտակ մեծ տառեղ

See Plate 3 for Great White Egret and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round visitor
Abundance:	Uncommon
Length:	85-102 cm, Wing Span:140-170 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 14.
Description:	All white with long neck and legs.
Adult (Breeding):	Dark bill, yellow-orange upper legs, and long plumes which flow loosely over lower back and tail.
Adult (Non-breeding):	Yellow bill; legs are dull yellow above knee and dark below.
Similar Species:	Differs from Little Egret by being markedly larger with yellowish legs; lacks yellow feet.
Behavior:	Flies with slow and graceful wingbeats. Hunts by walking or waiting motionless with outstretched neck, then lunging rapidly at prey.
Habitat:	Fish ponds, lakes, marshes.
Food:	Fish, other small vertebrates, aquatic insects.