Great Egret Perched on a Branch

During the breeding season, both male and female Great Egrets develop a delicate cloak of long white feathers extending over their backs. Courtship displays include erecting these spectacular lacy breeding plumes similar to the way a peacock displays. Great Egrets lay 3 pale greenish blue eggs in a nest made of loose sticks. Eggs may not hatch at the same time. Both parents take turns to incubate the eggs and feed the chicks. Nestlings are often very aggressive, and large chicks frequently kill their smaller siblings. Parents allow these fights over food.

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