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The African Great Egret (Ardea alba) is a large, elegant, all-white heron with black legs, a yellow bill, and distinctive breeding plumes, found near wetlands across Africa, feeding on fish, frogs, and small animals, often hunting solo in shallows with a fast, dagger-like strike. They are identifiable by their size (up to 1m tall), long neck (retracted in flight), and contrasting yellow bill with black legs, distinguishing them from other white egrets, and were once hunted for their feathers but are now protected, adapting well to various water bodies, including human-modified ones.
Appearance & Size
Color: Entirely white with black legs and feet, a yellow bill (darker in breeding season), and bright red eyes with green rings.
Breeding: Develops long, delicate feathers (aigrettes) on their backs and chest for courtship.
Size: Tall wading bird, reaching about 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) in height, with a wingspan up to 1.7 meters (5.5 ft).
