Great White Egret Vs Little Egret: Key Differences Explained

The Great White Egret (Ardea alba) and the Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) are two striking members of the heron family often spotted in wetlands across the UK.

Both species boast elegant white plumage and share similar habitats, making them a challenge to distinguish for many birdwatchers. However, these birds exhibit distinct differences in size, appearance, and behaviour.

In this article, let’s have a closer look into their key differences, offering a detailed comparison to help you identify these fascinating birds!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Great White Egrets are significantly larger than Little Egrets, standing up to 1 metre tall
Little Egrets have black bills and legs with yellow feet, while Great White Egrets have yellow bills and black feet
Great White Egrets are more versatile in habitat choice, frequenting both inland and coastal areas
Little Egrets are more active hunters, often using their feet to stir up prey
Both species are now year round residents in the UK, though the Great White Egret remains less common
Breeding plumes are more prominent in Little Egrets during the breeding season
Both species typically lay 3 to 5 eggs per clutch which are pale blue to bluish green

What Is The Difference Between A Great White Egret And A Little Egret?

While both species are white herons that frequent wetland habitats, they differ significantly in size, appearance, and behaviour. These differences help birdwatchers and naturalists distinguish between the two species in the field.

Visual Differences

The most noticeable visual distinction between these birds lies in their size and colouring of their bills and feet.

Great White Egrets feature a long yellow bill that turns black during the breeding season, while Little Egrets maintain a black bill year round.

Little Egrets are instantly recognisable by their black legs with distinctive yellow feet, which they use actively while feeding. In contrast, Great White Egrets have all black feet and legs. During the breeding season, Little Egrets develop elegant plumes on their head and neck, adding to their graceful appearance.

The overall posture and proportions also differ, with Great White Egrets appearing more statuesque and Little Egrets appearing more delicate.

Differences In Habitat

Both species can be found in wetland environments, but they show distinct habitat preferences.

Great White Egrets are more versatile, inhabiting marshes, rivers, lakes, and farmlands across the UK. They often frequent larger water bodies and are comfortable in both coastal and inland settings.

Little Egrets show a stronger preference for coastal areas and estuaries, though they have increasingly been spotted inland. They are particularly fond of shallow waters where their distinctive feeding technique of foot stirring can be employed effectively.

Nests & Eggs

Both species typically construct platform nests in trees or reed beds, often as part of mixed colonies with other herons. They each lay 3 to 5 eggs per clutch, which are pale blue to bluish-green in colour, though their nesting locations can differ slightly.

Great White Egrets tend to nest in larger wetland areas, often choosing sites with more extensive reed beds or larger trees.

Little Egrets are more adaptable in their nesting sites and can be found in smaller colonies, sometimes even in coastal areas.

Bird Calls

Both species are relatively quiet birds, but their vocalisations differ when they do vocalise.

Great White Egrets produce low, hoarse croaks when disturbed and may make loud croaking sounds during the breeding season.

Little Egrets have a broader vocal range, producing harsh squawks and softer croaks, particularly during the breeding season or when communicating within colonies.

Size & Weight

The size difference between these species is substantial.

Great White Egrets stand 85 to 100 cm tall and are comparable in size to Grey Herons. They have an impressive wingspan of 140 to 170 cm and weigh between 900 to 1,500 g.

In comparison, Little Egrets are much smaller, measuring 55 to 65 cm in length, with a wingspan of 88 to 95 cm and weighing between 350 to 550 g.

This makes the Great White Egret significantly larger in all dimensions, which is roughly twice the weight of its smaller cousin and with a notably larger wingspan.

SEE ALSO: Great White Egret Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a Great White Egret and a Little Egret?

The main difference between a Great White Egret and a Little Egret is their size and bill/leg colouration. Great White Egrets are much larger with yellow bills and black feet, while Little Egrets are smaller with black bills and distinctive yellow feet.

Where can you see Great White Egrets and Little Egrets in the UK?

Both Great White Egrets and Little Egrets can be seen year round in the UK, with Little Egrets being more common in coastal areas and estuaries. Great White Egrets are more frequently spotted in larger wetland areas and inland water bodies.

Which egret is more common in the UK?

Little Egrets are more common and widespread in the UK, having established themselves as regular breeding birds since the 1990s. Great White Egrets, while increasing in numbers, remain less common but are now seen year round in suitable habitats.