The egret is known for its wholly white feathers. In a broad sense, the egret is a general term used for birds belonging to the Egret genus within the Ardeidae family. In a narrow sense, it specifically refers to the Little Egret.
There are 13 different species of egrets found worldwide. These species are commonly referred to as egrets due to their predominantly white plumage.
The Great Egret is the largest and lacks both a crest and pectoral feathers, while the Middle Egret is of medium size and has no crest but possesses pectoral feathers. On the other hand, the Little Egret and Snowy Egret are smaller in size and possess both crest and pectoral feathers.
Typically, an egret stands at around 90 cm tall and boasts a beak that can reach up to approximately 30 cm. It possesses a long, slender neck and greenish feet. The egret has separated toes and a short tail.
Some species of egrets have long feathers on the top of their heads, known as crests, which they utilize as a lure while fishing. They have rounded wings, ideal for flying.
Egrets are commonly found in environments such as rice paddies, seashores, and marshes, where they feast on a variety of fish, shrimp, and insects. These areas serve as both a home and a restaurant for these birds.
Egrets are skilled fishermen, with a single egret being able to catch around 4-5 palm-sized fish in a day. If you were to compete with an egret in fishing, you would likely find it hard to match their success.
During a sunny morning, it is not uncommon to spot an egret leisurely standing atop a small tree. People often assume they are observing their surroundings, but the truth is, they do so to remain vigilant against potential predators. Thus, they stand at such heights to maintain their alertness.
Egrets exhibit various flying behaviors. Sometimes, they soar high in pairs, disappearing into the clouds. At other times, they hover low, playfully hunting for food. They may also perch and rest on the shores or reefs.
Their elegant white figures gracefully glide across shimmering waters, creating beautiful arcs in the air.
The captivating sight of egrets often entices onlookers to pause and admire them. These birds are renowned as "monitoring birds" for assessing atmospheric and water quality conditions, indicating their high sensitivity and reliance on a pristine living environment.
Changes in egret populations serve as dynamic indicators for regional environmental monitoring.
Egrets predominantly breed from May to July, favoring nesting sites among rocky coastal cliffs or within small branches of trees. They often nest in colonies, with some nests housing up to fourteen egrets within a mere 20 square meters of rocky terrain.
Egret nests are simple in structure, resembling shallow saucers, and primarily constructed using dead grass stems and leaves. The eggs of egrets are pale blue, and the newly hatched young appear light gray with white, resembling fluffy chicks.
Within approximately a month, they develop their signature snowy white, strawberry-colored feathers, becoming full-fledged members of the Great Egret family.
