Population: The European population is estimated at between 20 thousand and 34 thousand pairs (approximately 41,500 to 69,900 mature individuals). It is a common breeding migratory bird inKazakhstan.
Status: Non-endangered species of economic value other than hunting.
Habitat: It inhabits the reservoirs of the southern part of Kazakhstan, extending north to the Kushum reservoirs, the lower reaches of the Uil, the Naurzum Reserve,the Kurgaldzhinsky lakes and the Zaisan basin. During migrations, it is found further north, up to Ilek, Sergeyevsky reservoir in Northern Kazakhstan and Pavlodar. Great Egrets have been recorded at Lake Markakol. Duringwinter, they are observed inthe valleys of the Syrdarya, Chu, Or, as well as on the Irtysh rivernear Ust-Kamenogorsk, on Sorbulak near Almaty and in the foothills of the Talas Alatau mountains.
