This dainty little egret is quite common in Atlantic coastal marshes as far north as Maine but is still quite rare in Ontario.

This is a small white heron with a slender black bill,

black legs and “golden slippers.”

It often erects a white crest.

In breeding plumage it sports white, upturned lacy back feathers.

Young of the year may have rather dull greenish yellow feet instead of gold and the back of the legs may be green or dull yellow instead of black.

Dr. J. Murray Speirs