The Eastern Great Egret (Ardea alba modesta) breeds across Australia, particularly in the north. It can be distinguished from other white egrets and herons in Asia and Australia by its very long neck which is one and a half times as long as its own body.

Their diet includes vertebrates such as fish, frogs, small reptiles, small birds,rodents and invertebrates. The Eastern Great Egret hunts by wading or standing still in shallow water and "spearing" prey with its bill.