The Great Egret: A Fashion Symbol Becomes a National Symbol for Preservation

With a graceful, S-shaped neck and a beak rivaling the Spartan spear, this beauty of a bird has an illustrious conservation story.

Meet the Great Egret.

Toward the end of the 19th century in North America, this species was a sight to behold, and their feathers were the latest fashion.

Feathered hats were all the rage among ladies, and hunters saw profit in the lacy, breeding plumage of the snowy bird, especially in Florida and on the East Coast. As populations were ravaged, numbers plummeted, and the once-great bird flirted with extinction.

But have no fear—the Audubon is here!

Outraged at the massive slaughter of waterbirds like the Great Egret for the sake of fashion, the Massachusetts Audubon Society was born in 1896.

Two years later, there were Audubon Societies in 15 more states and D.C.

Just in case you were thinking of the German speedway, Audubon is a tribute term to John James Audubon, a naturalist and ornithologist born in Haiti who wrote of and painted North American Birds.

Audubon activism picked up speed in the 20th century, creating momentum for the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to be signed in 1918. Great Egrets finally had the protection they needed to replenish their species.

More than that, they were immortalized as the symbol for the National Audubon Society.

They are also currently featured in the four-part logo for San Diego’s very own Audubon Society—a local partner in habitat restoration, education and conservation.

“It’s a gorgeous bird,” said Peter Thomas, president of the San Diego Audubon Society. “It lends itself to grace and beauty. Regardless of whether you’ve seen it in person or in a picture, it’s impressive.”

The Great Egret can be found across the globe, including in our own backyard estuary, and sometimes in nearby neighborhoods.

Daytime hunters, it is common enough to see the large bird standing majestically in the shallows. Don’t be fooled. This Zen-like posture is often the precursor to an impending attack.

Great Egrets hunt by standing statue still until prey unknowingly wanders into range of the bird’s deadly sharp bill.

There is a softer side to the adept hunter. Not partial to fraternization, Great Egrets mate for life and both males and females assist in egg incubation. Once the young egrets are born, however, watch out. “The Terrible Twos” have nothing on these little terrors.

Baby egrets are infamous for being quite aggressive, sometimes even killing their smaller siblings. Luckily, help is near for mama and papa. Great Egrets can be found nesting in groups called colonies. 

If you’re looking to catch this statuesque bird, search for white plumage, black legs and feet and an orange bill. At about three feet in height, an egret is hard to miss.

If you are looking to knock your bird watching up a notch, learn from the experts and check out our local Audubon Society for more information.