The Intermediate Egret, Median Egret, Smaller Egret, or Yellow-billed Egret (Ardea intermedia) is a medium-sized heron. Some taxonomists put the species in the genus Egretta or Mesophoyx. It is a resident breeder from east Africa across the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia and Australia.
Range map from www.oiseaux.net - Ornithological Portal Oiseaux.net
www.oiseaux.netis one of those MUST visit pages if you're in to bird watching. You can find just about everything there
Description This species, as its scientific name implies, is intermediate in size between the Great Egret and smaller white egrets like the little egret and Cattle Egret, though nearer to little than great. It is about 56–72 cm long with a 105–115 cm wingspan and weighs c. 400 g, with all-white plumage, generally dark legs and a thickish yellow bill.
Breeding birds may have a reddish or black bill, greenish yellow gape skin, loose filamentous plumes on their breast and back, and dull yellow or pink on their upper legs (regional variations). The sexes are similar.
Length:
56-72 cm
Wingspan:
105-115 cm
Weight:
400 g
Longevity:
-
Distinctive Feature
• Gape extends to just below eye
Similar Species
•Great Egret: The gape extend behind the eyes and the longer bill gives the head a “pointier” snake like head shape. The neck have a kink making it look almsot like a S or a ? depending from what side you see the bird
Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai, U.A.E - December 2018
Differences from Great Egret The non-breeding colours are similar, but the intermediate is smaller, with neck length a little less than body length, a slightly domed head, and a shorter, thicker bill. The Great Egret has a noticeable kink near the middle of its neck, and the top of its longer bill nearly aligns with the flat top of its head.
Close up, Great Egret's gape line extends behind the eye, while the intermediate's is less pointed and ends below the eye. The intermediate tends to stalk upright with neck extended forward. The great is more patient, often adopting a sideways-leaning "one-eyed" stance.
Sketch comparing gapes of intermediate and Great Egrets
Sketch comparing gapes of intermediate and Great Egrets
Differences from little egret Little egrets have yellow-soled feet and black bills. They often run after fish in shallow water. Breeding birds have long nuptial plumes on the back of their heads.
Behaviour The intermediate egret stalks its prey methodically in shallow coastal or fresh water, including flooded fields. It eats fish, frogs, crustaceans and insects. It often nests in colonies with other herons, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. Two to five eggs are laid, the clutch size varying with region.
Aladdin's remark:
In the field it is impossible to see tha gape under the eyes unless you're very close. But look at the neck, depending from what side you look from the Great Egret's neck look like a question mark. See some of the pictures below.
See my page on how to identify Egrets and Herons by clickingHERE