About Egretta rufescens (Gmelin, 1789)
Egretta rufescens (Gmelin, 1789) reaches 68–82 cm (27–32 in) in total length, with a wingspan of 116–125 cm (46–49 in). Its body mass ranges from 364–870 g (0.802–1.918 lb). Among standard linear body measurements, the wing chord is 29–34.3 cm (11.4–13.5 in), the tail is 8.8–13 cm (3.5–5.1 in), the bill is 7.3–9.2 cm (2.9–3.6 in), and the tarsus is 11.7–14.7 cm (4.6–5.8 in).
It is a medium-sized heron with long legs, a long neck, and a long pointed pinkish bill that has a black tip. It is distinctly larger than other members of the genus Egretta that coexist with it, but smaller than the great blue heron and great egret. Its legs and feet are bluish-black.
While the sexes have similar appearance, the species has two distinct color morphs. Adult dark morph individuals have a slate blue body and reddish head and neck with shaggy plumes. Adult white morph individuals have entirely white body plumage. Young birds have a brown body, head, and neck. During the mating season, the male's plumage develops a prominent ruff on its head, neck, and back. This species' typical call is a low, guttural croak.
