Heron/Egret-like Bird look-alikes
Varies by species (e.g., Ardea alba, Egretta caerulea)
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Heron/Egret-like Bird. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias
Key differences
Larger than most egrets, grey-blue plumage, often with a shaggy crest. Flies with neck extended more than other herons/egrets. Distinguished from Great Egret by color.
Great Egret
Ardea alba
Key differences
Large, all-white plumage, yellow bill (non-breeding), black legs. Distinguished from Snowy Egret by larger size, yellow bill, and black feet (Snowy has black bill and yellow feet).
Snowy Egret
Egretta thula
Key differences
Medium-sized, all-white plumage, black bill, black legs with distinctive yellow feet. Distinguished from Great Egret by smaller size, black bill, and yellow feet.
Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea
Key differences
Adults are dark blue-grey with a purplish head and neck. Juveniles are all white, but have dusky-tipped bills and duller legs than Snowy Egrets, and gradually acquire patchy blue plumage.
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibis
Key differences
Smaller, stockier white egret, often found in drier fields associated with livestock. Breeding adults have buffy plumes on head, neck, and back. Yellow bill and dark legs. Often forages away from water.
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