Egret and Heron

These two wading birds are quite similar and often seen in the same environment. Depending on lighting and distance, they can be confused with only a quick glance. The first photo is of a Reddish Egret. It has a shaggy, rust colored neck. The robust bill is pinkish with a dark tip. The legs are very dark and the body is a slate-gray.

The next is the Little Blue Heron. It’s a bit smaller but the size difference isn’t obvious unless the two birds are standing near each other. It’s body has a more bluish tint than the Egret. The neck on the Little Blue is purple shaded, not rusty. It doesn’t look shaggy on this individual but it often can be somewhat shaggy in appearance. The legs are are much lighter than those of the Egret. The beak is not as robust and is grey, not pinkish.