Great Egret

One of the largest white herons in Japan

Scientific name	Ardea alba
English name	Great Egret
Japanese name	大鷺
Class	Aves
Order	Pelecaniformes
Family	Ardeidae
Genus	Ardea
Species	alba
Full length	90cm
Distribution	Distributed throughout Japan.

Great Egret Characteristics and Morphology

One of the largest herons in Japan, reaching nearly 1 meter in length.
Characterized by its long neck. The area around the eyes is yellow, turning yellowish-green during breeding season. The long bill turns black in summer and yellow in winter. The iris is yellow. The base of the neck is slightly raised. Ornamental feathers appear on the back during summer, disappearing in winter. Its slender legs are black and long enough to keep its body from getting wet in the water.

Song

The Great Egret cries with a grumpy voice like "Gararararara" or "Gwaag-gwah." It can be a little scary when it suddenly cries along the riverbank around dusk.

Great Egret Ecology

Habitat

Inhabits watersides such as rivers and ponds.

Food

Feeds on fish, crustaceans such as crayfish, and amphibians.

Life Cycle

Forms breeding colonies in trees and other locations.

Great Egret Photos

Great Egret Photos are introduced.
Tap the photo to open the detail page.

Great Egret Behavior

During the day, it remains still near the water or in trees near rivers, and sometimes on houses, or slowly walks step by step in search of food.

Hunting

It shrinks its neck at the water's edge to watch for a chance, and then catches its prey in one swift motion. Some skillfully stir up small fish by moving their feet in the water and catch them as they flee.

Flight

When flying, it folds its neck into an S-shape.

Great Egret Information

Naming

The scientific name "alba" means "white" and is derived from its pure white body color.

Heronry

The sight of herons densely packed in trees is called a "heronry."

Great Egret Found Locations

Asakawa River, Hachiōji

Photographed in Asakawa River, Hachiōji. Great Egrets can be seen year-round in Asakawa River. Dozens gather at the riverside to feed. During the breeding season, males can be seen chasing females. They sometimes remain still on top of the aqueduct. Once, while driving along the river at night, a Great Egret suddenly cried and flew away. It flew towards the lights of the station in a daze. Its flying figure at night looked like a larger creature than it does during the day, which was impressive.