Reddish Egret Similar Species Comparison

Nonbreeding adult dark morph

Medium-sized heron with a shaggy rusty-colored neck, slate-gray body, and heavy, two-toned bill.

Breeding adult white morph

Small percentage of the population in Florida and the Gulf Coast are entirely white. Breeding adults have a pink bill with a black tip. Note shaggy-looking neck.

Breeding adult dark morph

Has a very active foraging style compared to many herons—often runs through shallows to catch prey.

Immature

Immature birds are grayish overall with a dark bill.

Juvenile dark morph

Juvenile white morph

Medium-sized shaggy-necked heron. Juvenile white morphs are entirely white with a dark bill.

Breeding adult dark morph

Performs dancing displays during courtship with wings spread, plumes erect, and heads up. The base of the bill on breeding birds is pink.

Breeding adult dark morph

Often puts its wings over its head when foraging to create a canopy and a shadow over the water, which may attract fish.

Habitat

Found foraging in coastal lagoons, ponds, and flats. Rarely found inland.