Snowy Egret vs Little Egret

In short

Snowy Egret and Little Egret are both small, white herons with similar appearances, but can be distinguished by leg and foot coloration and subtle differences in behavior. Snowy Egrets have yellow feet and black legs, while Little Egrets have black legs with yellow feet only in juveniles or during non-breeding seasons. Both species exhibit active foraging behaviors, but Snowy Egrets are particularly known for their animated foraging techniques.

Identification tips

• Leg and Foot Color: Snowy Egret has black legs with bright yellow feet; Little Egret has black legs and feet, but juveniles and non-breeding adults may show some yellow on the feet.
• Plumes: In breeding season, Snowy Egret displays recurved back plumes, while Little Egret has long nape plumes.
• Behavior: Observe foraging behavior; Snowy Egret is more animated.
• Habitat: Consider habitat; Snowy Egret is more common in North America, while Little Egret is widespread in the Old World.

Size

Both species are similar in size, with no significant difference that aids field identification.

Plumage

Both have all-white plumage, but Snowy Egrets have distinctive recurved back plumes during breeding. Little Egrets may show two long plumes on the nape during breeding season.

Behaviour

Snowy Egrets are known for their active and sometimes frantic foraging behavior, often seen stirring the water with their feet to flush out prey. Little Egrets also forage actively but are less animated in their movements.

Habitat

Snowy Egrets are found in a variety of wetland habitats, including salt marshes and freshwater marshes. Little Egrets are adaptable and can be found in both natural wetlands and anthropogenic habitats like rice fields.

Voice

Both species have similar vocalizations, typically consisting of harsh croaks or squawks. Vocal differences are not a reliable field mark.