About the Great Egret
The Great Egret (Ardea alba) is a species of bird in the Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns family (Ardeidae), within the order Pelecaniformes. This family contains 74 recognized species worldwide.
Use the eBird species code greegr when logging sightings in eBird or other citizen science platforms.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns (Ardeidae) |
| Species | Ardea alba |
| Species Codes | greegr, GREG, WHHE, GWEG |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the Great Egret belong to?
The Great Egret (Ardea alba) belongs to the Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns family (Ardeidae), in the order Pelecaniformes.
How can I identify the Great Egret?
The Great Egret is a member of the Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns family. Check field guides or upload a photo to our AI Bird Identifier for help.
Where can I report a Great Egret sighting?
You can log sightings of Great Egret on eBird (ebird.org) using species code greegr, or on iNaturalist.