Nature Journal
with Photos

          
Cattle Egret Identification Tips
(Credit: U. S. Geological Survey)
 
General Information
- Sexes similar
- Fairly small
- Short, thick pointed bill
- White body plumage
- Tucks neck in close to body in flight and often at
   rest, rarely extending it
- Often seen feeding in pastures or other open habitats
   away from water

Adult alternate
- Only very briefly attains full alternate plumage
- Deep red bill
- Deep red legs
- Buffy feathering around the head, neck and back

Adult basic
- Bill dull orange or yellow
- Legs dull orange
- Entirely white body plumage

Immature
- Black bill turns pale yellow by early fall
- Dusky legs

Similar species
Quite unlike any other heron. Much smaller than Great Egret or "Great White" Heron. Smaller than Snowy Egret and immature Little Blue Heron and with orange instead of dark or bicolored bills.
 
 
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