Pictured is a great egret, binomial name Ardea alba, coming in fro a landing on a small spillway in White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas. Its wings are spread to brake the approach. It is also known as the common egret, large egret, great white egret or great white heron. The species breeds in colonies in trees close to large lakes with reed beds or other extensive wetlands. The great egret forages in shallow water or drier habitats, feeding mainly on fish, frogs, other amphibians, small mammals, small reptiles, crustaceans, and insects. It normally impales its prey with its long sharp bill by standing still and allowing prey to come within striking distance.
|
