Difference between a heron vs egret? Explain

If you see a large bird with a long neck walking along the edge of a lake, it is probably a heron or a heron. But who did you see? And what is the difference between them? Tom Hibbert from The Wildlife Trusts takes a look at the question…

What is a heron?

Before comparing egrets and herons, we must define “heron.” The name heron describes any member of the Ardeidae family. A large group of long-legged, long-necked birds near water. Not possible to remove the adverb. So all herons are herons, but not all herons are herons!

In this article, “heron” means the gray heron, Ardea cinerea.

How to tell the difference between an egret and a heron?

There is a very easy way to tell a heron from a heron, at least in the UK: herons are white! The gray heron, as its name suggests, is mostly gray. It is a large and heavy bird with very long legs that vary from dark gray to pink or yellow.

It has a gray back with paler underparts and a long gray or white neck. The head is white. It has black markings on the sides of the crown that extend into a long thin ridge. The bill is large and dagger-shaped, changing from yellow-gray to orange in spring.

If you see a white bird with long legs, a long neck and a sharp beak, it is almost certainly a heron, but what is it? Until recently, seeing a heron in the UK was a rarity. But, in recent decades, three species have moved north from Europe and begun breeding there. The Agarcetta arrived first, followed by the Agartette and the Garcetta.

How to identify different egrets?

The white grouse (Ardea alba), a large white bird, surprises observers. It is about the same size as a gray heron, but it is thinner and more elegant. Its neck is remarkably long, featuring a series of curves that resemble an “S” shape. Its plumage is brighter than the heron’s. It is yellow, but it turns black for several weeks during the breeding season. Its feet and legs are dark, but the tips of its feet can be lighter.

The egret (Egretta garzetta) is also bright white, but is about half the size of a gray heron. Although it has a very long neck, when not retracted, it can bend and appear to have no neck at all. Its beak and legs are dark, ranging from dull green to black.

Its legs are yellow, a distinctive feature, unless hidden by grass, mud, or underwater. In the summer, it develops two long and elegant white feathers on the back of its head.

The heron (Bubulcus ibis) is the smallest and richest of our three herons. Its neck and legs are much shorter than those of the heron, giving it a more compact appearance. Its beak is also shorter and thicker. Most of the year, the caracara is yellow, but it turns pink during the breeding season. Like other herons, it has white plumage. But it shows an ocher or orange tint on the crown, breast, and back during the breeding season. Traces of this color can continue well beyond the breeding season.

Where to find egrets and herons?

Gray herons can be seen throughout most of the British Isles. They prefer areas near water, like rivers, lakes, canals, and floodplains. They also hunt in rock pools on the coast. Egrets and herons have similar tastes in habitat. They are often found in wetlands and marshes. Herons are particularly fond of estuaries. Cattle are more likely to be seen out of the water than other species. They often feed in the fields, following cows and horses. In other parts of the world, where they are more common, they are often found in large groups. They can be found alone, in pairs, or sometimes in small groups.

Egrets and herons nest in colonies, often in trees at the water’s edge. It is not unusual to see different species nesting together in a colony. Outside of the breeding season, they also form common roosts for the night.

Gray herons and great egrets share a similar fishing style. You will often see them standing still for long periods. By taking careful steps, they watch the water below. Suddenly, they pounce. Their beaks slam into the water to catch a fish. Little herons prefer a different approach. They walk slowly in shallow water. They pause to shake one leg. This movement stirs the bottom. It brings in small fish and other aquatic creatures for the heron to catch. Its bright yellow legs help break down prey.

As mentioned above, cattle herds are often found far from water in cattle fields. You will see them chasing grazing mammals. They will feed on insects and other small animals that disturb them. They roam the pastures, sometimes darting a short distance when they spot prey.

Could anything else for a heron or egret?

There is another large white bird in parts of Britain: the spoonbill. It is becoming more common there. As its name suggests, this bird has a long, black beak. It widens at the tip like a spoon or spatula. That is its most distinctive feature. Sleeping spoonbills hide their beaks in their feathers. But their attitude gives them away. At rest, spoonbills assume a horizontal posture, like a goose. Egrets, however, are stiff and upright. A spoonbill distinguishes itself in flight by bending its elongated neck.