Wildlife : Similar Species : Cattle Egret
Identification Tips:
- Length: 17 inches Wingspan: 37 inches
- Sexes similar
- Fairly small
- Short, thick pointed bill
- White body plumage
- Tucks neck in close to body in flight and often at rest, rarely extending it
- Often seen feeding in pastures or other open habitats away from water
Adult alternate:
- Only very briefly attains full alternate plumage
- Deep red bill
- Deep red legs
- Buffy feathering around the head, neck and back
Adult basic:
- Bill dull orange or yellow
- Legs dull orange
- Entirely white body plumage
Immature:
- Black bill turns pale yellow by early fall
- Dusky legs
Similar species:
Quite unlike any other heron. Much smaller than Great Egret or "Great White" Heron. Smaller than Snowy Egret and immature Little Blue Heron and with orange instead of dark or bicolored bills.
Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.
Fun FactThe Great Blue Heron is relatively quiet compared to other members of its family. The heron releases a soft "kraak" when it is disturbed and in flight. Other calls of the heron include a "fraunk" when the bird is disturbed near its nest, and an "ar" when the heron is greeting other members of its species. |
