Great White Egret vs Medium Egret

In short

The Great Egret (Ardea alba) and Medium Egret (Ardea intermedia) are both large, all-white herons, but the Great Egret is notably larger with a longer neck and bill. The most reliable field mark is the gape: in the Great Egret, it extends beyond the eye, while in the Medium Egret, it does not.

Identification tips

• Gape: The Great Egret's gape extends beyond the eye; the Medium Egret's does not.
• Size: The Great Egret is larger with a longer neck and bill.
• Plumage: Look for chest plumes on the Medium Egret during the breeding season.
• Bill Color: During breeding, the Great Egret's bill turns black, while the Medium Egret's bill darkens but remains shorter.

Size

The Great Egret is significantly larger than the Medium Egret, with a longer neck and bill, giving it a more elongated appearance.

Plumage

Both species have all-white plumage, but the Great Egret lacks chest plumes, which the Medium Egret has during the breeding season. The Great Egret's bill turns black during breeding, while the Medium Egret's bill also darkens but remains shorter.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar heron-like behaviors, but the Great Egret may appear more deliberate due to its larger size and slower movements.

Habitat

Both species can be found in similar wetland habitats, but the Great Egret is more widespread and can be found in a broader range of environments.