Great Egret

Order Ciconiiformes; Family Ardeidae (Herons & Egrets); Scientific name: Egretta alba; Formerly: Ardea alba; Subspecies: modesta; Common name: Great Egret; Alternative common name: Large Egret – In nuptial plumage - Distribution in Australia: subspecies: modesta is widespread and common in all states and territories including Tasmania - Distribution outside Australia: subspecies modesta occurs in from India through southern Asia including Japan and Korea, through Indonesia and Papua New Guinea to New Caledonia and New Zealand; other subspecies range from northern Asia, southern Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa to South, Central and southern North America.