Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Ardeidae
The Great Egret is a tall, elegant wading bird with all-white feathers, a long yellow bill, and black legs and feet. In Patagonia, it is often seen standing motionless at the edges of lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers, patiently hunting for prey. Its slow, deliberate movements and sudden, rapid strikes make it a skilled predator of fish, amphibians, and small aquatic creatures. The species is highly adaptable, thriving in both freshwater and coastal habitats. During flight, the Great Egret tucks its neck into an S-shape, a characteristic trait of herons. Its presence in Patagonia adds a touch of grace to the region’s wetlands, where it may be observed alone or in small groups, sometimes alongside other heron species.
Habitat
Wetlands, marshes, lakeshores, riverbanks, and coastal lagoons throughout Patagonia.
Foraging
Stalks prey in shallow water, using quick thrusts of its bill to catch fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.
