The great egret (Ardea alba), also known as the common egret, large egret or great white egret or great white heron is a large, widely distributed egret, across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world. It builds tree nests in colonies close to water. Apart from size (up to 1 mwter/3.3 feet), the great egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet, though the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back as seen in this photograph
The green heron (Butorides virescens) is a small heron of North and Central America. The green heron is relatively small, about 44 cm (17 in). The neck is often pulled in tight against the body. Adults have a glossy, greenish-black cap, a greenish back and wings that are grey-black grading into green or blue, a chestnut neck with a white line down the front, grey underparts and short yellow legs. The bill is dark with a long, sharp point.
