Ardea Occidentalis Online

The ( Ardea occidentalis ), also known as Ardea herodias occidentalis , is a massive wading bird that serves as a stunning ghost of the Florida coast. While many birders once considered it a distinct species, it is currently classified by major authorities as a white subspecies or color morph of the Great Blue Heron. Distinction and Appearance

It is often mistaken for the Great Egret, but the Great White Heron is significantly larger, standing up to 4.5 feet tall with a wingspan of nearly 7 feet. Key identifiers include: Great White Heron Ardea occidentalis Species Factsheet