Great Egret
Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets and Cattle Egrets are the three types of egrets that are commonly seen here in Central Florida. The largest is the Great Egret. The smallest is the Snowy Egret with the Cattle Egret being the chunky middle-sized one of the three. There is a Reddish Egret that is rarely seen and I have only once gotten a photo of that egret. That Reddish Egret looks like a magenta version of the Little Blue Heron. The smaller herons are actually egrets so it is no wonder they all have similar characteristics.
The Great Egret is one that sometimes goes away from the water to forage in shrubbery for snakes and lizards, mice and larger insects to eat. The Cattle Egret likes to walk around pastures where horses or cattle are present. You also occasionally see Cattle Egrets at ponds and lakes where they will drink and occasionally hunt. The Snowy Egret has yellow legs and feet and a slender black bill and is mostly seen on the shore or in shallow water of ponds and lakes and marshes. Please click on the thumbnail image to see the slightly larger version of the picture. Enjoy!
Cattle Egret
Snowy Egret
Great Egret
Comments on: "Egrets in Central Florida" (2)
I love seeing so many different types egrets when I visit my mom! Your pictures were terrific and I thank you for differentiating them and providing some info on each. I always appreciate and enjoy your posts! Have a wonderful evening!
Hi Cathy, Many thanks! I enjoy getting out and about here in The Villages and also in surrounding spots to do bird and wildlife watching. We still have the pelicans and cormorants but I think they will be off to their Northern migration very soon. Have a terrific day tomorrow!