Green Heron vs Great White Egret

In short

The Green Heron is a small, stocky bird with a dark, glossy greenish-black cap and back, while the Great Egret is a large, all-white heron with a long neck and legs. The most reliable field mark is their size difference: the Great Egret is significantly larger and more elegant in structure compared to the compact Green Heron.

Identification tips

• Size: Great Egret is much larger than Green Heron.
• Color: Green Heron has a dark, glossy greenish-black cap and back; Great Egret is all white.
• Neck and Legs: Great Egret has a long 'S'-shaped neck and long black legs; Green Heron is more compact.
• Behavior: Look for tool use in Green Herons and group wading in Great Egrets.
• Vocalization: Listen for the Green Heron's squawk versus the Great Egret's occasional croak.

Size

The Green Heron is much smaller and more compact than the Great Egret, which is tall and lanky.

Plumage

The Green Heron has a dark greenish-black cap and back with chestnut sides, while the Great Egret is entirely white.

Behaviour

Green Herons often hunt by standing still or slowly stalking prey in shallow water, sometimes using tools to lure fish. Great Egrets are more likely to be seen wading gracefully in open water, often in groups.

Habitat

Green Herons are typically found in wooded ponds and marshes, while Great Egrets prefer open wetlands and are often seen in larger bodies of water.

Voice

Green Herons emit a sharp, scolding squawk when disturbed, whereas Great Egrets are generally silent but may produce a low croak.