Great Egret (Ardea alba) × Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) hybrid nestlings observed in Parkland County, Alberta

Authors

  • Dan Stoker
  • David R. Scott University of Lethbridge

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v139i3.3599

Keywords:

Great Egret, Ardea alba, Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias, herons, hybrid, hybridization, interspecific mate choice, nest, Alberta

Abstract

We report multiple observations of four Great Egret (Ardea alba) × Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) hybrid nestlings in Parkland County, Alberta, in July 2025. To our knowledge, this is the first published report of an observation of this hybrid combination in Canada and the first report of a nest with young of this hybrid combination anywhere. We outline the timeline and nature of the observations, provide photographs of the nestlings and an adult Great Egret visiting the nest, and briefly discuss the breeding ecology of Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons. Finally, we note observations, including photographs, of an apparent hybrid Great Egret × Great Blue Heron observed in Calgary, Alberta, in September 2025.

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Published

2026-08-26

Issue

Vol. 139 No. 3 (2026)

Section

Notes

License

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