It has had many common names in different regions: American Egret, Large Egret, White Egret, Great White Egret, and Great White Heron. Its official name in North America is now the Great Egret. In Florida, it is commonly confused with the white version of the Great Blue Heron, but while the Great Egret has black legs, the white version of the Great Blue Heron has yellow legs. During non-breeding, the lores (the skin between the bill and eyes is yellow or a yellowish-green. Later, when you look at pictures of the breeding Great Egret, you will see that their lores turn bright green at that time. Like the Great Blue, it feeds alone. For many years, it was hunted for its beautiful plumes. Both of the above photos are of the same Egret. The one on the left was photographed just as the sun was rising on Lake Harris in Lake County, Florida. The one on the right was taken about 15 minutes later.

The Egret in the center photo above is watching small fish in the pond hoping to catch lunch. The Egret on the right was very intent on watching me watch him.