(Description from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

The Great Egret is a large bird with all-white plumage that can reach one meter in height
and weigh up to 950 grams (2.1 lb). It is thus only slightly smaller than the Great Blue or
Grey Heron (A. cinerea). Apart from its size, the Great Egret can be distinguished from
other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet, though the bill may become
darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate
ornamental feathers are borne on the back. Males and females are identical in appearance.

It has a slow flight, with its neck retracted. This is characteristic of herons and bitterns, and
distinguishes them from storks, cranes, ibises and spoonbills, which extend their necks in
flight.

The Great Egret is not normally a vocal bird; at breeding colonies, however, it often gives a
loud croaking "cuk cuk cuk" sound.

The Great Egret feeds in shallow water or drier habitats consuming mainly fish, frogs, small
mammals, and occasionally small birds and reptiles.  It uses its bill as a spear and by
standing still and allowing the prey to come within its striking distance it will often wait
motionless or slowly stalk its victim.

Though it might appear that they feed on the parasites off of buffalos, they actually feed
on leaf hoppers, grass hoppers and other insects which are stirred up as buffalos move
about in water.
Photo from Wikipedia
Egret