Heron vs Egrets

Herons and egrets are both long-legged, freshwater and coastal birds.

Egrets are considered different from herons because egrets are mainly white, and they may or may not have decorative plumes.  Also, egrets are smaller than the herons in size.

Herons have long legs, long-necks, freshwater, coastal, non-swimming birds. They usually retract their necks while flying. 

The bills of herons and egrets are harpoon-like and long. They can vary in size. Some have an extremely fine bill while some have thick bills. 

Herons and egrets are found in many colors. The color of the bare parts is generally yellow, brown, or black which may change during the breeding season. The plumage of the birds is mainly grey, white, black, blue, or brown, and sometimes they can be very striking and complex.

Herons and egrets are aquatic birds and prefer lowland areas, margins of rivers, lakes, ponds, and swamps. They are present in all the continents except for Antarctica.

Herons are carnivorous birds and prey on aquatic prey like fish, amphibians, reptiles, mollusks, insects, and crustaceans. Some of the species also feed on bird eggs and other smaller birds.
Herons and egrets are mainly colonial and monogamous in their behavior.

A heron and egrets

Little Egrets

Little Egrets are medium sized birds with long necks, long black bills and black legs with bright yellow toes. Sexes look the same.The birds usually feed alone or n small groups in lakes and along coastal waters.
The one in this photo was spotted along the shores of Lake Victoria in Musoma, Mara, Tanzania.

An Egret