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The Great Egret, also known as the Great White Egret or Common Egret, is a large, widely distributed wading bird found in tropical and temperate wetlands across the globe. Standing over 3 feet tall with a 50+ inch wingspan, it is recognized by its pure white plumage, long black legs, and yellow, dagger-like bill. They are found in freshwater and saltwater habitats such as marshes, swamps, and shorelines. They are solitary hunters, often standing motionless to spear fish, amphibians, and small reptiles with their sharp bills. They are colonial nesters, building large stick nests in trees or shrubs, often on islands to protect young from predators. In the late 19th century, they were nearly hunted to extinction for their feathers, which were used for fashion. Conservation efforts, including their adoption as the symbol of the National Audubon Society, led to their recovery.