Distribution Map
Medium Egret
Ardea intermedia
NativeStatus
Fairly CommonRarity
Species Description
The Medium Egret also known as the Intermediate Egret, is a medium-sized white waterbird that bridges the size gap between smaller egrets like the Little Egret and larger ones such as the Great Egret. This elegant bird is a common sight in Australia's wetlands, where its clean white plumage and yellow bill make it identifiable, though it can sometimes be confused with other egret species
Fun Facts
Medium Egrets adapt well to human-altered habitats like rice fields and sewage ponds.
1. Intermediate sizelarger than Little and Eastern Cattle Egrets but smaller than Great Egrets.
2. Yellow bill (black during breeding) and rounded head distinguish it from other egrets.
3. Shorter neck without an S-curve creates a compact silhouette.
Medium Egrets favour Australian wetlands with shallow waters less than 8 centimeters deep, including freshwater swamps, flooded pastures, rice fields, and shallow lakes. They are often seen methodically stalking prey in areas with short emergent vegetation. While they sometimes mix with other egret species in waterbird flocks, their deliberate walking pattern helps differentiate them from smaller egrets that dart after prey.
Physical Attributes
Height
64 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds94%
Top Locations
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