Courting
During breeding season from late February to August, male
great egrets go through a series of physical changes. In addition
to the bright green shade of their lore, their back feathers grow
into lovely waving plumes. The male will select an area to use
for his courtship. He will stay in this area to claim his nesting
territory within the greater colony. He will perch in the scrubs
and curl his body into an S-position then raise and lower his
body—all the while using loud vocal calls. It is possible to go
through this courting procedure twice in the same breeding
season, especially if something happens to the first brood.
Home Building
Above and below: Courting.
The male starts to make a nest in late February to March even
before he pairs with a mate. Once he finds her, they continue
to build the nest with the female staying on the nest and
arranging the materials the male brings her. These nests are
flat and will last for only one breeding season because they are
not very substantial. Building the nest is a tedious and time-
consuming process as the male will go foraging and bring
back one twig at a time.
Eggs
Typically, the female lays a clutch of one to six eggs with most
nests containing two or three eggs. The eggs are a pale green-
blue color. During an incubation period of 23 to 27 days, the
male and female will alternate sitting on the eggs. Between
them, they provide constant protection for and incubation
of the eggs while taking time to leave to find food.
Above and below: Home building..
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Above and below: Eggs.
Naturally Kiawah