Great Egret

Ardea alba

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* 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.