Pictured is a great egret perched high in a tall tree at the edge of White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas. The binomial name is Ardea alba. 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.
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