The Great Egret is the largest of North American egrets and among herons and egrets in North America – second in size only to our Great Blue Heron. Its size, striking white plumage, orange bill, and black legs make it readily identifiable. Great Egrets were once called American Egrets, but they are, in fact, found on every continent except Antarctica – making its name change appropriate. A skilled fisherman, the Great Egret also hunts on land, adding grasshoppers, lizards, and other small animals to its diet.