The Great Egret (Ardea alba) is a large, elegant wading bird known for its striking white plumage and graceful presence in wetlands. Standing up to 3 feet tall with a wingspan of nearly 5 feet, it is one of the most recognizable members of the heron family. Great Egrets are often seen stalking shallow waters, using their long necks and sharp yellow bills to spear fish, frogs, and other small aquatic creatures. Once heavily hunted for their feathers in the 19th century, they are now a symbol of successful conservation efforts, protected across much of their range. Their slow, deliberate movements and snow-white feathers make them a breathtaking sight in marshes, lakes, and coastal estuaries.