Bird Guide

Tricolored Heron vs White-faced Heron

Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor)

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

Large372 gCoastal

This species measures from 56 to 76 cm (22 to 30 in) long and has a typical wingspan of 96 cm (38 in). The slightly larger male heron weighs 415 g (14.6 oz) on average, while the female averages 334 g (11.8 oz). It is a medium-large, long-legged, long-necked heron with a long, pointed, yellowish or greyish bill with a black tip. In breeding plumage, some individuals will develop a stark bicolored bill which is blue and black at the tip. Its legs and feet turn from dark yellow in nonbreeding birds to pink in breeding adults.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Christian Mehlführer, User:Chmehl · CC BY 2.5
White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae)

White-faced Heron

Egretta novaehollandiae

Large559 gWetland

The adult white-faced heron is medium-sized for the family and mostly pale blue-grey. The forehead, crown, chin and upper throat are white. The crown pattern is variable, with the white occasionally spreading down the neck; the variability makes identification of individuals possible. The iris may be grey, green, dull yellow or cinnamon. The regions between the eye and bill on the side of the head (lores) are black. The beak is black and often pale grey at the base. Voice: The most common call of the white-faced heron is a gravelly croak or gobble, graak or graaw and is typically given in flight, in interactions or in aggressive encounters. Another call, gow, gow, gow is typically given upon returning to a nest. High pitched wrank, oooooooooh or aaarrrgh calls are given as alarm calls.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Brian Ralphs from Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, UK · CC BY 2.0

Learn this pair in BeakBrain

Photo and call practice, free in any browser.

Play BeakBrain

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Tricolored Heron and White-faced Heron.