Adult: A white bird about half the size of the Great Egret. Slender black bill and legs. Lores Yellow. Feet are bright yellow ("Golden Slippers").

Breeding adult: Upturned plumes (aigrettes)on head, neck and back. Feet are bright yellow to orange. Facial skin yellow to orange red in breeding season.

Immature: Lacks plumes. A yellow stripe runs along back of legs. Facial skin yellow and is a distinguishing mark that separates it from the Little Blue Heron immature.

Similar species: Immature Little Blue Heron, Great Egret, and Cattle Egret.

Habitat: Freshwater marshes, salt marshes, coastal areas, wooded swamps and wet prairies.

Breeding: In Florida, January-August.

Text by Mary Jean Rogers, West Volusia Audubon

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