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
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 ardea occidentalis