Additional Little vs Snowy Egret comments

[Norm Erthal]

I will disagree with Rachel on some ID points. I have seen Little Egrets in full breeding plumage with completely yellow feet and extending above the ankle a short ways up the tarsus very similar to Snowy. I have also seen some in nonbreeding plumage or not full breeding plumage with plumes that have yellow extending up the back of the tarsus. This is depicted in Sibley. I have also seen Little Egrets with yellow lores in full breeding. Snowy can have nearly completely black or completely black legs. I have found photos online with this link depicting that.  http://www.pbase.com/dadas115/image/113268028

 

This link shows a Little with extensive yellow feet. http://www.naturephoto-cz.com/little-egret-photo-18164.html

 

What this all means is how VERY dificult the ID is unless you have them side by side. For acceptance of Little Egret in Colorado, very good photos to my way of thinking would be an absolute necessity.

 

Norm Erthal

Arvada, CO