The Great White Egret is the most widespread of all herons and is found in every type of wetland. This large heron has a wingspan of up to 170 cm. It also has the long characteristic S-shaped neck. Unlike many other heron species, however, the great white egret makes a variety of sounds.
 
It searches for food by standing completely still and waiting for prey, which it spears with its sharp bill. It aggressively defends its feeding territories, but has also been observed searching for food in flocks of several hundred, when food is abundant.