The Great Egret (Casmerodium albus) is found worldwide and is one of the largest members of the heron family. In the U.S. its range extends from Oregon to Massachusetts, and southward. It lives in wetland habitats such as mudflats, tidal shallows, and marshes and prefers to build its large, flat nest in nearby shrubs and trees. In the breeding season both males and females have long white plumes, which have earned them the nickname "Angel Bird."

Demand for their beautiful plumage in the woman's hat industry nearly drove the Great Egret to extinction in the early twentieth century. In response to public outcry, these birds came under Federal protection. However, once again the Great Egret population is threatened, but today it is the result of habitat loss due to the demand for coastal land for development and the claiming of wetlands for agriculture and residential development. It is up to humans to protect Great Egrets from further decline by encouraging protection, conservation, and restoration of their wetland habitats.