The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Great Egret / Great White Egret
Afrikaans name: Grootwitreier
Photo © Steven Herbert
Egretta alba
Did you know that the Great Egret, often referred to as the Great White Egret, is found on all continents except Antarctica? It occurs across most of South Africa except for the drier western regions.
It is normally found near water including lakes, rivers, flooded grasslands, estuaries etc.
Most of the Great Egrets food is caught in the water. It eats fish, insects, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and birds.
Great Egrets nest in colonies of up to 200 nests. The male brings nesting material to the female who makes the nest. The nest is made of sticks and lined with plant material. Up to 5 eggs are laid. The eggs and chicks are tended to by both parents.
The wingspan of a Great Egret may be as much as 1.7 metres. They are around 1 metre tall. Male and female have identical plumage.
Roberts Birds Names by Edition
| Edition | Roberts nr | Scientific name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 58 | Casmerodius albus melanorhynchus |
| 2nd | 58 | Casmerodius albus |
| 3rd | 58 | Casmerodius albus |
| 4th | 58 | Casmerodius albus |
| 5th | 66 | Egretta alba |
| 6th | 66 | Egretta alba |
| 7th | 435 | Ardea alba |
| Edition | Roberts nr | English name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 58 | Great White Heron |
| 2nd | 58 | Great White Heron |
| 3rd | 58 | Great White Egret |
| 4th | 58 | Great White Egret |
| 5th | 66 | Great White Egret |
| 6th | 66 | Great White Egret |
| 7th | 435 | Great Egret |
| Edition | Roberts nr | Afrikaans name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 58 | Groot-wit-reier |
| 2nd | 58 | Groot Witreier |
| 3rd | 58 | Groot Witreier |
| 4th | 58 | Groot Witreier |
| 5th | 66 | Grootwitreier |
| 6th | 66 | Grootwitreier |
| 7th | 435 | Grootwitreier |
References and further reading
Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 32Wading Birds of the World - Revised edition - Author: Eric and Richard Soothill - Published: 1989 - Page: 40
The Herons Handbook - Author: James Hancock and James Kushlan - Published: 1984 - Page: 85
Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 51
The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 21
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 58
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 62
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 48
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 48
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 35
Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 176
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 29
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 22
Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 72
Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 72
Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 28
Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 54
Everyones Guide to South African Birds - Author: John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn - Published: 1987 - Page: 43
Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 15
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 9
Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 30
Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Published: 0 - Page: 21
Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 40
Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 18
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 172
A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 172
A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 37
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