Regal Egret

There are seven species of White Herons in our country. They are the Great Blue Heron ( White Morph), Little Egret, Great Egret, Reddish Egret (White Morph), Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron , and Cattle Egret. Some are only white in their juvenile stage. Unless you know the distinguishing characteristics of each species you could easily get confused. The image at right is of a stately looking Great Egret. Characteristics that distinguish the Great Egret are its yellow bill and its all black legs including the feet. It is sometimes confused with the smaller Snowy Egret which has a black bill, black legs and yellow feet. The Egret at right is displaying its breeding Plumes which seem to give it a few extra legs. Other distinguishing characteristics of the Egrets include their behavior when feeding. The Great Egret is likely to strike a regal pose and move slowly when stalking its prey. The Snowy Egret is more apt to hunch over and dart about chasing a meal.