Great White Egret
Ardea alba
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Great White Egret is now breeding in England in small numbers and is an increasingly regular sight at Marshside. Much larger than the Little Egret — about the size of a Grey Heron — it's easy to pick out once you know what to look for. Yellow bill (turns dark in breeding season), dark legs and feet. It feeds similarly to Little Egret but takes larger prey. One or two are usually present at Marshside in any given month.
At a Glance
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Habitat | Coastal lagoon · Reed bed · Estuary margin |
| Diet | Fish, frogs, large invertebrates |
| UK population | Around 50 breeding pairs in Somerset; rapidly expanding |
| Sefton Coast | Irregular visitor; usually 1–2 birds present at Marshside in any given month |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB lagoons. Check any Little Egret flock carefully.
Identification
Like a very large Little Egret. Heron-sized. Yellow bill, dark legs. No yellow feet (Little Egret's key feature). Kinked neck in flight like Grey Heron.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Scan any white egret on the lagoon for large size — it will dwarf a Little Egret if both are present.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell Great White Egret from Little Egret?
Size is the most obvious difference — Great White Egret is heron-sized, nearly three times the bulk of a Little Egret. Bill colour is also key: Little Egret has a black bill with yellow feet; Great White Egret has a yellow bill with dark feet. In flight, Great White Egret holds its neck kinked like a Grey Heron.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.