Great Egret vs Snowy Egret: How to Tell Them Apart
How to tell a Great Egret from a Snowy Egret — size, range, family and status compared side by side, with links to each bird’s full ID guide.
The quickest tell is size: the Great Egret is noticeably heavier (around 871 g) than the Snowy Egret (around 371 g). Here is how the two compare across every fact we track.
Great EgretArdea alba
Snowy EgretEgretta thulaSee the Great Egret → See the Snowy Egret →
Key differences at a glance
- Size: the Great Egret is heavier (871 g) than the Snowy Egret (371 g).
- Family: both are Ardeidae.
- Range: their ranges overlap in North America and South America.
Side by side
How to tell the Great Egret from the Snowy Egret
The Great Egret is the bigger, heavier bird. Range: their ranges overlap in North America and South America. Beyond the numbers, plumage and call are the clinchers — compare them on each profile below.
For plumage, calls and the finer field marks, open each bird’s full profile — every one has photos, sounds and ID notes.
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Figures are the data we hold for each species (body weight, size class, family, range and conservation status); they describe typical individuals and can vary. Plumage and voice details live on each bird’s profile.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Great Egret bigger than the Snowy Egret?
Yes — the Great Egret is heavier, around 871 g, versus about 371 g for the Snowy Egret.
Are the Great Egret and the Snowy Egret related?
Yes — both are Ardeidae, so they are close relatives.
Do the Great Egret and the Snowy Egret live in the same places?
Range: their ranges overlap in North America and South America.
