Great White Egret vs Great Blue Heron

In short

The Great White Egret and the Great Blue Heron (white morph) are both large, white herons, but the Great White Egret is generally smaller with a long, thin bill and black legs, while the white morph of the Great Blue Heron is larger with pinkish-yellow legs and head plumes. The Great White Egret's gape extends beyond the eye, a key distinguishing feature.

Identification tips

1. Leg Color: Great White Egret has black legs; white morph of Great Blue Heron has pinkish-yellow legs. 2. Bill Shape: Great White Egret has a long, thin bill; Great Blue Heron has a thicker bill. 3. Gape: Great White Egret's gape extends beyond the eye, unlike the Great Blue Heron. 4. Head Plumes: Absent in Great White Egret, present in the white morph of the Great Blue Heron.

Size

The Great White Egret is smaller than the white morph of the Great Blue Heron, which is one of the largest herons.

Plumage

Both species have all-white plumage in these morphs, but the Great White Egret lacks the head plumes seen on the white morph of the Great Blue Heron.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar wading and foraging behaviors, but the Great Blue Heron is known to be more territorial.

Habitat

Both species can be found in similar wetland habitats, but the white morph of the Great Blue Heron is primarily restricted to southern Florida and the Caribbean.