Egrets are fairly common in Florida with the three primary varieties being the great egret, snowy egret, and cattle egret. The great egrets are the largest with yellow-orange bills and black legs. During the mating season the area around the eye turns green. Unless you are watching a matched pair, it can be difficult to discern the male from the female because there are no visible physical differences except males are slightly larger.
At one time there were almost hunted to extinction for their delicate feathers and eggs, but they have made a comeback. The reduction of wetlands areas is still a concern. Great egrets are graceful in the air and when landing. Unlike a lot of other large birds, they fly with their necks in an S-curve.
