Great White Egret vs Grey Heron

In short

The Great White Egret and Grey Heron are both large, long-legged waders, but the Great White Egret is entirely white with a long, thin yellow bill, while the Grey Heron has a grey body with a white head and black supercilium. The Great White Egret's gape extends beyond the eye, a key feature distinguishing it from the Grey Heron.

Identification tips

1. Gape Line: The Great White Egret's gape extends beyond the eye, unlike the Grey Heron. 2. Plumage: Look for the all-white plumage of the Great White Egret versus the grey body and white head with black supercilium of the Grey Heron. 3. Bill Color: The Great White Egret has a yellow bill, which can turn black during the breeding season, while the Grey Heron has a yellow bill year-round. 4. Leg Color: The Great White Egret has predominantly black legs, whereas the Grey Heron's legs can range from yellow to brownish pink.

Size

The Great White Egret is similar in size to the Grey Heron, with both having a commanding presence due to their large wingspans.

Plumage

The Great White Egret is entirely white, whereas the Grey Heron has a grey body, white head, and a distinctive black stripe (supercilium) extending from above the eye down the back of the crown.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit slow, powerful wingbeats and are often seen standing motionless while hunting. The Grey Heron is known for its opportunistic feeding habits, including hunting rodents in rural areas.

Habitat

Both species are found near water bodies, but the Grey Heron is more versatile, inhabiting a range of environments from woodlands to urban areas, while the Great White Egret is typically found in wetlands.