6 replies to this topic

[sfischer2250]

I've been discussing with some birders about Great Egrets...at least what I call a Great Egret. Some are calling it a White Egret and still others a White Heron. My field guides only list the Great Egret. Are the others "older" terms for the same bird?

[Parula]

well there is a white phase great blue heron called great white heron

[mhelsel]

I've also heard people call Great Egrets by "American Egret"

[BarnSwallow]

I remember when they were called American egrets and common egrets.

[spookyjimjams]

well there is a white phase great blue heron called great white heron

Yeah, nowadays, a White Heron is a white phase Great Blue Heron. It is found in southern Florida and can be differentiated from the Great Egret by it's yellow legs. Great Egrets have black legs

[sfischer2250]

Thank you all for your comments. I'm glad to know this! I certainly see a good number of Great Egrets in my backyard pond - happy that I have been calling them the right name!

[bridgettedunn]

Great White Egrets have jet black legs. White Herons, morph of the Great Blue Heron, have pink/flesh colored legs. Very easy to tell the difference. Faces are quite different too, egrets are more slender.