It hunts by stalking prey or waiting for prey to swim by as it stands in shallow water.
Fish, aquatic invertebrates, and small vertebrates are included in its diet.
Occasionally it will steal food from other herons, egrets, and ibises.
|
Feeding: It hunts by stalking prey or waiting for prey to swim by as it stands in shallow water. Fish, aquatic invertebrates, and small vertebrates are included in its diet. Occasionally it will steal food from other herons, egrets, and ibises. |
| Notes: Prior to the Migratory Bird Act of 1918, this species was hunted for its plumes. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, feathers were used as decoration on hats and clothing, causing the near extinction of many species of herons and egrets. The Great Egret was chosen as the Audubon Society "poster bird" during the time when this organization was formed to help conserve this and many other species. Since the banning of DDT, a pesticide that had the unfortunate side effect of weakening bird shells, this species has had increased reproductive success. The Great Egret is now fairly common, and is not listed as requiring any special conservation attention in the Southeast. |
 |