Size & diagnostic markings:- 100Cm. The neck is the longest shown only by the "more kinked" appearance. Bills is sharp with black tip. Has black legs and olive green feet. During breeding, long back plumes and shorter and coarse plumes on the breast. Bill turns black while the legs turns reddish.

Distribution :-  This bird is native to Africa, then a belt along south Asia from west to east to China. Then south to the Sundas and to New Zealand.

Habitats & preferences:-  I seem to be repeating their same description as the Great Egret is also found in isolated waterways and estuary. Though gathered in a single location, they do not gather as a flock but well spread out.

The largest of the all seen in Malaysia, the Great Egret varies is size from 85-102 cm. This bird spread its presence from Sub-Sahara to the Siberian area, the Indian sub-continent then most areas in the far east. This is a common bird in Malaysia.

To ID this big bird is easy from its long neck very often kinked at a "S" shape. It has yellow bill with a black tip which very often not detected. Then black legs and feet with the upper tibia yellow. Likewise, on the larger picture below the supposing yellowish part of the upper tibia is not very much lighter in color too. The facial skin is also yellow with the split that runs back beyond the eyes. All these minor details are general information, as to when or whether any of these diagnostic markings appear on a particular bird? That is another matter. Best is to get familiar with the overall bird itself.

Unlike the Intermediate Egrets, the Great Egrets prefers coastal mudflats. There are a couple of pictures taken at Bagan Sungei Buloh to reflects on scenes where few of these Egrets & Herons co-exist in one habitat.

Great Egret. 1

Great Egret'. 2

Great Egret' 3

Great Egret' 4

Great Egret'. 5

Great Egret' 6

Great Egret' 7

Great Egret'. 8

Great Egret'. 9

Great Egret. 10

Great Egret'. 11

Great Egret' 12

Great Egret' 13

Great Egret' 14

Great Egret'. 15

In Malaysia, where can the bird be found:-  The Great Egret is seen permanently and in good numbers in Bagan Sungei Buloh. The density of the gathering depends on the season.

With Will would Wander