The Intermediate Egret (Mesophoyx intermedia) is medium-sized heron with striking white plumage. While nesting, the intermediate egret has a red bill with a yellow tip, green eye lores (the region between the eye and bill), red irises, and red upper legs. At other times of the year, the intermediate egret has a yellow bill, often tipped with brown, while the iris is yellow and the legs and feet are black. The juvenile is similar to the non-breeding adult.
The Intermediate Egret can be distinguished from the Great Egret by the length of its eye lores, which extends beyond the eye in the Great Egret. The Intermediate Egret also lacks the distinct S-shaped kink in it's neck when standing upright.
The Intermediate Egret is most attractive during the breeding season when it develops dense breast plumes and elaborate, long plumes on the back that cascade beyond the tail.
Linking up with Stewart's meme:
13 comments:
I have no egrets about visiting here - your photos are fabulous! (and please excuse the poor pun)
Really nice photos of these pretty egrets.
A beautiful elegant bird.
I have to admit that if I were to come across this species, I would struggle with an ID, especially if there was no direct comparison nearby. Thanks to your words and pictures I would now stand a chance. Having said that I don't think Intermediate Egret has ever been recorded in the UK - yet!
Lovely series on the egret, well done! Have a happy day!
Great shots - I always have to go back to the books to tell these guys apart!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
a beautiful egret I had the pleasure to see when I visited Queensland. :) Thanks for sharing.
Brilliant photos of the egrets.
Beautiful photos! A very handsome bird!
Egrets are such fun to watch and photograph. I especially like the photo with the raised foot. And I so agree that's it's joy to find photos that you've never posted before. ;))
Brilliant Egret images Liz.
Super shots of the Egret.
Wonderful shots of magnificent birds, Liz. They always look so regal :)
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