Cattle Egret look-alikes
Bubulcus ibis
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Cattle Egret. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Snowy Egret
Egretta thula
Key differences
Snowy Egrets are more slender, have a black bill, black legs with bright yellow feet ('golden slippers'), and delicate lacy plumes on the head, neck, and back during breeding. They typically forage in water, not dry fields.
Great Egret
Ardea alba
Key differences
Great Egrets are significantly larger, have a longer neck, a longer, dagger-like yellow bill (which turns black during breeding in some populations), and black legs and feet. They also forage primarily in water.
Little Egret
Egretta garzetta
Key differences
Little Egrets are similar in size but have a black bill, black legs, and yellow feet. They also possess two long nuchal plumes during breeding. They are more aquatic in their foraging habits.
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