great white heron: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It depends on context. In North America, 'Great White Heron' typically refers to Ardea occidentalis. The 'Great Egret' is Ardea alba. They are different species, though both are large, white herons. In casual speech, the names are sometimes confused.

The bird known specifically as the Great White Heron (Ardea occidentalis) is primarily found in the Florida Keys, parts of the Caribbean, and occasionally the Gulf Coast. The similar great egret (Ardea alba) has a much wider global distribution.

'Great' in bird names like great white heron, great blue heron, and great egret denotes that it is the largest common species of that type (heron/egret) in the region, distinguishing it from smaller relatives like the 'little egret'.

Only if you are specifically referring to that bird. It is a technical/common name, not a general descriptive phrase. For a generic description, you might say 'a large white heron'.

A large, white, long-legged wading bird of the heron family, particularly Ardea alba or Ardea occidentalis.

Great white heron is usually technical, naturalist, literary in register.

Great white heron: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt waɪt ˈhɛr.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt waɪt ˈhɛr.ən/ or /ˈhɛr.ɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.