Bird Guide

Black Heron vs Chinese Egret

Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca)

Black Heron

Egretta ardesiaca

Large324 gWetland

The black heron is a medium-sized bird, with a typical height range of 42.5 to 66 cm (16.7 to 26.0 in). Their weight can range from 0.27 to 0.39 kg (0.60 to 0.86 lb). They are known for their black plumage, black bill, and yellow feet. In breeding plumage it grows long plumes on the crown and nape.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: amantedarmanin · CC BY 4.0
Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes)

Chinese Egret

Egretta eulophotes

Large462 gCoastal

The Chinese egret averages 68 cm in height. The plumage is white throughout the bird's life and resembles the little egret (Egretta garzetta). Outside the breeding season the bill is dusky with the basal portion being tannish peach and the lores and legs yellow green, while the iris is yellow. All individuals are similar in this season. In the breeding season the adults develop a luxuriant crest which is sometimes over 11 cm long. It also develops long lanceolate plumes on its breast and dorsal plumes extending beyond the tail, called aigrettes and similar to those of little egret.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Ian Dugdale (ian_dugdale) · CC BY 4.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Black Heron and Chinese Egret.