Great White Egret vs Yellow-billed Egret

In short

The Great White Egret is notably larger than the Yellow-billed Egret, with a gape that extends beyond the eye, while the Yellow-billed Egret's gape reaches only to the center of the eye. Both species are all-white, but the Great White Egret's size and longer bill are key distinguishing features.

Identification tips

• Size: The Great White Egret is larger, about the size of a Gray Heron.
• Gape: Great White Egret's gape extends beyond the eye; Yellow-billed Egret's gape reaches the center of the eye.
• Bill: Great White Egret has a longer, dagger-like bill.
• Legs: Great White Egret has longer legs that extend well past the tail in flight.

Size

The Great White Egret is about one-third larger than the Yellow-billed Egret, similar in size to the Gray Heron.

Plumage

Both species have all-white plumage. The Great White Egret lacks head and chest plumes, whereas the Yellow-billed Egret may have some chest plumes in breeding plumage.