Sep 09 2008
Great Egret (Casmerodius albus)
The Great Egret is a large white heron, only slightly smaller than the Great Blue Heron white form, which is a subspecies of the Great Blue Heron. Confused? The legs are the key. Great Egrets have completely black legs.
This bird was almost hunted to extinction in the early part of the 20th century by plume hunters. The feathers adorned ladies hats. It is the symbol for the National Audubon Society, which was founded to stop birds from being killed for their feathers.
They live near and feed in the wetlands, spearing fish with it’s bill. This bird was photographed under the Crosstown Expressway on Florida Street, which is near the Hillsborough River (Cotanchobee Park).
