La Grande Aigrette dans le Lac Saint-Pierre

The Great Egret

The Great Egret (Ardea alba)

The Great Egret is a large, elegant heron often seen in wetlands and coastal areas. Its pristine white plumage and sleek silhouette make it a visual indicator of the quality of aquatic ecosystems.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and Females: Sexual dimorphism is low in the Great Egret.
Both sexes have bright white plumage, with slight variations in color saturation, especially during the breeding season.

Size and wingspan

Size: The Great Egret generally measures between 80 and 100 cm in height.
Wingspan: Its wingspan varies from 140 to 160 cm, allowing it to perform long gliding flights in search of prey.
Weight: Weight typically ranges from 1.2 to 1.8 kg, with some variation between individuals.

Beak and legs

Beak: Its long, thin, pointed beak is perfectly adapted for capturing fish and small invertebrates.
Legs: The long webbed feet make it easier to move through shallow water and along banks, while also providing great stability when hunting.

Social behavior

Generally solitary when hunting, the Great Egret can gather in colonies when nesting, particularly in areas with a high concentration of food resources.
She adopts a discreet and patient demeanor, standing still before launching a swift attack on her prey.

Voice

Great egret vocalizations are generally infrequent and discreet. When emitted, they consist of short, piercing calls, mainly used during courtship interactions or to signal the presence of an intruder.

Breeding Habitat

Inland Wetlands: The Great Egret often nests on natural or artificial platforms near ponds, lakes and marshes, where dense vegetation provides adequate camouflage and protection.
Waterfront: Banks rich in vegetation are ideal sites for nesting.

migration habitat

Inland Water Bodies: During migration, it exploits various ponds, lakes and reservoirs where prey availability is high.
Transition Zones: Environments alternating between calm waters and moderate currents allow it to rest and feed during long migratory journeys.

wintering habitat

Areas with Unfrozen Waters: In winter, the Great Egret migrates to areas where water bodies remain free of ice, ensuring access to continuous feeding.
Coastal Areas: It can also be observed along the coasts, where the diversity of aquatic resources supports its subsistence during the cold season.

habitat features

Shallow Waters: The presence of shallow waters makes it easier to find prey and allows for a stealthy approach when hunting.
Abundant Vegetation: Dense vegetation along the banks provides both camouflage and secure nesting sites.
Good Water Quality: Clean, well-oxygenated water promotes aquatic biodiversity, which is essential for the species’ diet.

Adaptation to the Habitat

Its white plumage allows it to blend in with the reflections of light on the water, reducing the risk of detection by prey and predators.
The length of its legs and its fine beak are essential adaptations for hunting effectively in humid and varied environments.
Its large wingspan gives it the ability to glide for extended periods, allowing it to cover vast territories in search of food.

Les oiseaux du lac st-pierre