Great Egret

A large, elegant wading bird known for its stunning white plumage, graceful movements, and expert fishing skills. It can be found in the Coachella Valley near wetlands, lakes, ponds, and the Salton Sea, particularly during migration and winter months.

Identification & Appearance

• Size: 37-41 inches (94-104 cm) tall, with a wingspan of about 4.5-5.5 feet (131-170 cm).
• Coloration:
  • Pure white feathers.
  • Long, slender black legs and feet.
  • Bright yellow bill, which turns darker during breeding season.
  • Striking S-shaped neck that retracts in flight.
• Flight: Flies with slow, deliberate wingbeats, holding its neck in a curved shape.

Behavior & Adaptations

• Stealthy hunter, standing motionless before striking at fish with its sharp, dagger-like bill.
• Feeds alone or in groups, often seen wading in shallow water.
• Flies high and gracefully, often moving between water bodies.
• Displays elegant plumes (aigrettes) during breeding season.

Habitat & Range

• Found near wetlands, lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, and marshes.
• Migratory in colder regions, but some individuals remain in Southern California year-round.
• Often spotted at the Salton Sea, Lake Cahuilla, and other water-rich areas.

Diet

• Primarily fish, but also:
  • Amphibians (frogs)
  • Insects
  • Small reptiles
  • Crustaceans (shrimp, crayfish)
• Hunts by standing still or slowly stalking prey, then striking lightning-fast with its bill.

Nesting & Reproduction

• Nests in large colonies called rookeries, often in trees near water.
• Builds stick nests, usually high in trees or on islands.
• Lays 3-5 pale blue-green eggs, incubated by both parents.
• Chicks hatch weak and dependent but grow quickly.

Conservation & Threats

• Once nearly wiped out in the late 1800s due to hunting for their decorative plumes (used in fashion).
• Populations have rebounded, thanks to legal protections.
• Still faces threats from wetland destruction, pollution, and climate change.

Where to See in the Coachella Valley

• Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
• Lake Cahuilla
• Golf course ponds and urban lakes
• Irrigation canals and slow-moving rivers

The Great Egret is a symbol of wetland conservation and a graceful presence in the Coachella Valley’s water habitats. Its majestic beauty and expert hunting skills make it a delight for birdwatchers and a vital species in wetland ecosystems. 🦢✨