Based on 4,398 research-grade iNaturalist observations in Illinois, Great Egret is most often recorded in August; in Illinois it behaves like a summer visitor / breeder. It ranks #22 among birds recorded in the state in our data.
Ardea alba
Great Egret in Illinois by month
Bars show research-grade observations per month. They mix true seasonality with how often people are outdoors, so treat small numbers with caution.
Also seen in Illinois in August
Great Blue Heron
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Mallard
Northern Cardinal
Ring-billed Gull
Canada Goose
Places to look in Illinois
State ParkCahokia
Botanical GardenMorton Arboretum
National ForestShawnee National Forest
Botanical GardenChicago Botanic Garden
Botanical GardenLadd Arboretum
State ParkStarved Rock State Park
FAQ
When does Great Egret appear in Illinois?
Mainly April–October, with the most records in August.
How common is Great Egret in Illinois?
It ranks #22 by number of iNaturalist observations among birds in Illinois (4,398 records in our sample).