The great egret is a large heron with all-white plumage. Standing up to 1 m tall, this species can measure 80 to 104 cm  in length and have a wingspan of 131 to 170 cm. Body mass can range from 700 to 1,500 g, with an average of around 1,000 g.

It has a slow flight, with its neck retracted. 

The great egret feeds in shallow water or drier habitats, feeding mainly on fish, frogs, small mammals, and occasionally small reptiles and insects

Males and females are identical in appearance. Mostly they are south birds, but it was noticed and photographed in the Plungė park.