Wildlife : Similar Species : Great Egret
Great egret Ardea alba
Identification Tips:
- Length: 32 inches Wingspan: 55 inches
- Sexes similar
- Large long-legged long-necked wading bird
- Usually holds neck in an "S" curve in flight
- Long, thick yellow bill
- Black legs and feet
- Entirely white plumage
- Juvenile similar to basic-plumaged adult
Adult alternate:
- Shaggy neck and back plumes
Similar species:
Cattle Egret much smaller with a shorter, stubbier bill and pale legs. Snowy Egret is smaller and has black bill and yellow feet. Immature Little blue Heron is smaller and has a pale bill with a black tip, and green legs. Reddish Egrets (white morph) have pale bills with black tips and blue-gray legs. The "Great White" Heron of southern Florida has yellow legs.
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. |
