Egret Bird: Identifying Egrets and Their Feeding Strategies

Egrets are long-legged wading birds in the family Ardeidae, which also includes herons and bitterns. This article provides a practical framework for identifying the three egret species most commonly encountered by farmers, researchers, and field observers: the great egret (Ardea alba), the snowy egret (Egretta thula), and the cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis). It also explains their distinct feeding strategies, which differ by habitat, prey type, and association with livestock. The content is written for students, researchers, life-science professionals, and informed general readers who need a reliable field reference for species separation and behavioral observation.

At a Glance: Egret Species Comparison

The table below summarizes the key identification features and feeding strategies of the three egret species covered in this article. Use it as a quick field reference before consulting the detailed sections that follow.

Understanding Egret Taxonomy and Species Boundaries

The family Ardeidae comprises long-legged freshwater and coastal birds with a global distribution. Molecular studies using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcodes have helped clarify relationships within this family. An analysis of 32 species from 17 genera found that each bird species possessed a barcode distinct from other species, with one notable exception: the snowy egret (Egretta thula) and the little egret (Egretta garzetta) shared a single barcoding sequence. This finding highlights the close genetic relationship between these two species and the importance of using morphological features for field identification. The same study supported placing the great egret and the intermediate egret in separate genera, Casmerodius and Mesophoyx, respectively, reflecting ongoing taxonomic debate within the family [5].

For field observers, the practical implication is that genetic tools can confirm species identity, but visual identification remains the primary method in most settings. The great egret, snowy egret, and cattle egret can be distinguished reliably by body size, bill color, leg color, and foraging behavior. The intermediate egret (Ardea intermedia) presents a more challenging identification case. A 2022 study in North Queensland, Australia, used bill morphometry to confirm the first recorded occurrence of the nominate intermediate egret in that region, demonstrating that subtle bill measurements can separate closely related taxa that appear similar in the field [18].

Great Egret: Identification and Foraging Ecology

Physical Identification Features

The great egret is the largest of the three species covered here. Adults stand approximately 80 to 104 cm tall with a wingspan of 131 to 170 cm. The plumage is entirely white in all seasons. The bill is long, thick, and yellow, and the legs are black with dark feet. During the breeding season, adults develop long, delicate plumes on the back that extend beyond the tail. These plumes were historically harvested for the millinery trade, which drove severe population declines before conservation protections were enacted.

The great egret can be confused with the intermediate egret in regions where both occur. The intermediate egret is smaller, has a shorter and thicker neck, and shows a less dramatic gape line that ends below the eye instead of extending past it. Bill length relative to head width is a useful measurement for separating these species, as demonstrated in the North Queensland study that used mensurate bill methodology to confirm intermediate egret presence [18].

Feeding Behavior in Wetland and Agricultural Habitats

Great egrets are primarily aquatic foragers. They hunt in shallow freshwater and coastal wetlands, including marshes, ponds, flooded fields, and rice paddies. Their feeding strategy is characterized by slow, deliberate stalking through open water. The bird stands motionless for extended periods, then strikes rapidly with its dagger-like bill to capture prey. This stand-and-wait approach is energy efficient and suited to capturing fish, amphibians, and large aquatic insects.

Research in South Korea examined great egret feeding behavior in eco-friendly and conventional rice fields. The study found that great egrets showed more hunting attempts per minute and a higher intake rate in conventional fields, but feeding efficiency did not differ between field types. Birds consumed larger loaches in eco-friendly fields than in conventional fields, and they exhibited slower feeding behaviors in eco-friendly fields due to the increased handling time of larger prey. Eco-friendly fields supported a higher abundance of larger-sized loaches, indicating their potential to support a higher abundance of great egrets [11].

For farmers managing rice fields, these findings suggest that eco-friendly practices that maintain prey populations can support great egret conservation. The presence of great egrets in rice fields can serve as an indicator of overall biodiversity, as these birds occupy a high trophic position in the food web [11].

Environmental Contaminant Exposure

Great egrets, like other wading birds, can accumulate environmental contaminants through their prey. A 2025 study in Saudi Arabia measured arsenic, chromium, cadmium, and lead in the droppings of four wading bird species, including the great egret, from 2020 to 2024. The results revealed significant levels of these metal(loid)s in bird droppings, indicating environmental pollution likely linked to industrial activities, agricultural runoff, and urban expansion. All metal(loid)s exhibited significant temporal variation, with increasing concentrations observed across species [10].

Microplastic contamination is another concern for great egrets. A study in North Sumatra identified microplastics in the digestive tracts of great egrets, finding 15 particles in stomachs and 13 particles in intestines, with fibers being the most common type. The presence of microplastics in both stomach and intestines indicates environmental plastic pollution that can cause reduced fat deposits, increased chemical toxicity, physical damage to the intestines, and negative impacts on reproduction and survival [17].

Snowy Egret: Identification and Active Foraging Tactics

Physical Identification Features

The snowy egret is a medium-sized heron, standing 56 to 66 cm tall with a wingspan of approximately 100 cm. The plumage is entirely white. The bill is black, slender, and pointed, and the legs are black with distinctive bright yellow feet. These yellow feet are the most reliable field mark for separating the snowy egret from the little egret, which has dark feet. During the breeding season, snowy egrets develop long, curved plumes on the back, neck, and head, and the lores (the area between the eye and bill) turn a reddish color.

The genetic similarity between the snowy egret and the little egret, as demonstrated by shared COI barcodes, means that molecular identification alone cannot always separate these two species [5]. Field identification must rely on geographic range and morphological features. The snowy egret is found in the Americas, while the little egret occurs in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Active Foraging Techniques

Snowy egrets employ a more active foraging strategy than great egrets. They are highly mobile feeders that use several distinct techniques to disturb and capture prey. Foot stirring is a characteristic behavior in which the bird rapidly vibrates one foot in shallow water to flush hidden prey. Foot probing involves inserting the bill into soft substrate to locate buried organisms. Chasing is another common tactic, where the egret runs through shallow water after small fish and crustaceans.

These active techniques allow snowy egrets to exploit prey that remain hidden in vegetation or sediment. The bright yellow feet may serve a functional role in attracting or startling prey, though this hypothesis requires further study. Snowy egrets feed in shallow wetlands, marshes, tidal flats, and along the margins of larger water bodies. Their diet consists primarily of small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects.

Habitat Use and Prey Availability

Snowy egrets depend on shallow, productive wetlands with abundant small prey. Habitat degradation, including coastal reclamation and wetland drainage, reduces prey availability and foraging success. A study of waterbird feeding ecology along the South West Johor Coast in Malaysia found that waterbirds primarily consumed fish, molluscs, worms, crabs, and unidentified prey, with fish comprising 25% of the overall diet. Feeding behavior varied significantly by morphology traits, with larger waterbirds demonstrating higher feeding efficiency [12].

Although this study did not focus exclusively on snowy egrets, the findings illustrate the general relationship between body size, foraging behavior, and prey selection in ardeid waterbirds. Conservation of intertidal habitats, including mangroves and mudflats, is essential for maintaining prey populations that support egret foraging [12].

Cattle Egret: Identification and Livestock Association

Physical Identification Features

The cattle egret is the smallest of the three species, standing 46 to 56 cm tall with a wingspan of 88 to 96 cm. The plumage is white in non-breeding adults. The bill is short, thick, and yellow, and the legs are dark. During the breeding season, adults develop buff-colored plumes on the crown, back, and breast, and the bill and legs may take on an orange or reddish tint. Juveniles have dark bills and legs.

The cattle egret is distinguished from other white egrets by its smaller size, shorter bill, and its strong association with grazing livestock. This species is rarely found far from cattle, horses, or other large herbivores, and its foraging behavior is closely tied to livestock movements.

Foraging with Livestock: Mechanisms and Benefits

Cattle egrets are unique among the egret species covered here because they forage primarily in terrestrial habitats instead of wetlands. Their association with grazing livestock is a well-known phenomenon, and research has examined the mechanisms behind this behavior. A study conducted in Yang County, Shaanxi Province, China, compared the foraging efficiency and flight initiation distance of cattle egrets when foraging alongside cattle versus foraging alone. The results indicated significantly higher foraging efficiency and lower flight initiation distance when foraging with cattle, suggesting that the presence of cattle enables cattle egrets to better tolerate potential predation risks [15].

The study also examined whether increasing cattle numbers affected flight initiation distance. More cattle did not significantly affect this measure, indicating that the perceived predation risk of cattle egrets did not reduce with more cattle. The lower flight initiation distance when foraging with cattle is more likely attributed to higher foraging efficiency instead of lower perceived predation risk in the risk-benefit trade-off [15].

For farmers, this research confirms that cattle egrets provide a natural pest control service by consuming insects disturbed by grazing livestock. The presence of cattle egrets on pasture can indicate a healthy insect population and may reduce the need for chemical pest control in some systems.

Parasite and Pathogen Considerations

Cattle egrets are known to host a variety of parasites, which has implications for both bird health and potential disease transmission. A study in Egypt examined 180 cattle egrets and identified three helminth species: one nematode (Desportesius invaginatus) and two trematodes (Patagifer bilobus and Apharyngostrigea cornu). The study highlighted that cattle egrets act as a reservoir for many parasites and play a vital role in their life cycle and distribution in the environment [6].

Another study identified the nematode Heterakis gallinarum in cattle egrets with a prevalence rate of 40% among infected birds. This parasite is more commonly associated with poultry, and its presence in cattle egrets suggests that these birds may serve as a reservoir for parasites that can affect domestic birds [20].

Cattle egrets also carry bacteria with public health significance. A study at Trimmu Barrage in Pakistan found extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing bacteria in 24.28% of cattle egrets sampled, compared to 41.43% in little egrets and 44.28% in chickens. These bacteria confer resistance to penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics, highlighting the role of wild birds in the environmental circulation of antimicrobial resistance [8].

Feeding Behavior Observation Checklist

For researchers and students conducting field observations of egret feeding behavior, the following checklist provides a structured approach to data collection. This protocol is adapted from methods used in published studies of egret foraging ecology [11][12][15].

Pre-Observation Preparation

1. Confirm species identity using the identification features in the At a Glance table.
2. Record date, time, location, and habitat type.
3. Note weather conditions, including wind speed, cloud cover, and recent precipitation.
4. Identify the observation point and estimate distance to the target bird.
5. Prepare a data sheet with fields for each behavior category listed below.

Focal Observation Protocol

1. Select a single bird and observe it continuously for a minimum of 10 minutes.
2. Record the number of hunting attempts, defined as any strike or lunge toward prey.
3. Record successful captures, defined as prey visibly swallowed.
4. Calculate hunting attempt rate as attempts per minute.
5. Calculate intake rate as successful captures per minute.
6. Calculate feeding efficiency as successful captures divided by total attempts.
7. Record prey type when visible, including fish, insects, crustaceans, or amphibians.
8. Note prey size relative to bill length where possible.
9. Record foraging technique, including standing, walking, running, foot stirring, or probing.
10. Record vigilance behavior, including head-up scanning and flight initiation distance when disturbed.

Data Recording Standards

Use a stopwatch or mobile timer for all duration measurements. Record behaviors continuously instead of using instantaneous sampling to capture accurate rates. For flight initiation distance measurements, approach the bird slowly and record the distance at which it takes flight. Take care to avoid disturbing nesting colonies or causing repeated flight responses.

Analysis and Interpretation

Calculate mean values for each behavior metric across multiple observation sessions. Compare values across habitats, seasons, or farming systems to identify patterns. Larger waterbirds generally demonstrate higher feeding efficiency despite lower feeding rates, as shown in studies of waterbird feeding ecology [12]. Interpret results within the context of prey availability and habitat quality.

Records and Measurements for Field Studies

Maintaining systematic records is essential for egret identification and behavioral research. The following measurement and documentation standards support reliable data collection.

Morphometric Measurements

When capturing birds for scientific study, record the following measurements using standard ornithological techniques. Bill length is measured from the tip of the bill to the base of the skull. Bill depth is measured at the base of the bill. Tarsus length is measured from the tibiotarsal joint to the base of the toes. Wing chord is measured from the wrist joint to the tip of the longest primary feather. Body mass is recorded in grams using a spring scale or digital balance.

Bill morphometry has proven particularly useful for separating closely related egret species. The North Queensland study used scaled digital photographic comparisons and multivariate analyses to demonstrate statistically significant dissimilarity in bill morphometry between geographic populations of intermediate egrets [18].

Molecular Sex Identification

For researchers requiring sex identification, molecular methods are available. New PCR primers designed for sex identification in ardeid species use the universal P2/P8 primers to obtain gene segments of chromo-helicase-DNA binding protein CHD-Z and CHD-W. Using agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR products show two bands for females, approximately 140 base pairs derived from CHD-W and 250 base pairs from CHD-ZW, while males show only the 250 base pair band. These primers work across ten species of ardeid birds, including the great egret and cattle egret [3].

A multiplex PCR assay has also been developed for species identification in the Chinese egret and little egret, demonstrating the utility of molecular tools for distinguishing closely related species [19]. For the vulnerable Chinese egret, an efficient molecular sexing method using faecal samples provides a non-invasive approach to sex identification [21].

Environmental Contaminant Monitoring

Non-invasive monitoring of environmental contaminants can be conducted using egret droppings. A 2025 study measured arsenic, chromium, cadmium, and lead in the droppings of wading bird species, demonstrating that faecal analysis provides a useful method for assessing environmental pollution without capturing birds [10]. Egg contents have also been used as bio-monitors of local heavy metal contamination, with studies analyzing metals including cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lithium, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc in egret eggs and prey samples [4].

Common Identification Errors and How to Avoid Them

Field identification of egrets presents several challenges, particularly for observers new to wading bird study. The following failure patterns are commonly encountered and can be avoided with careful attention to diagnostic features.

Confusing Snowy Egret with Little Egret

The snowy egret and little egret are genetically similar, sharing a COI barcode sequence [5]. Both are medium-sized white egrets with black bills and black legs. The key distinguishing feature is foot color: snowy egrets have bright yellow feet, while little egrets have dark feet. Geographic range also separates these species, with snowy egrets in the Americas and little egrets in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Confusing Great Egret with Intermediate Egret

The great egret and intermediate egret are similar in appearance, but the great egret is larger with a longer, thicker bill and a more pronounced gape line that extends past the eye. The intermediate egret has a shorter neck and a gape line that ends below the eye. Bill morphometry can confirm identification when field views are inadequate [18].

Misidentifying Juvenile Cattle Egrets

Juvenile cattle egrets have dark bills and legs, which can cause confusion with other egret species. The smaller body size and terrestrial foraging habitat are reliable clues. Juvenile cattle egrets are typically found in the same grassland and pasture habitats as adults, often in association with livestock.

Overlooking Non-Breeding Plumage Variation

All three egret species lose their distinctive breeding plumes outside the breeding season. Non-breeding great egrets, snowy egrets, and cattle egrets are entirely white, making bill color, leg color, and body size the primary identification features. Observers should rely on these structural features instead of plumage alone.

Welfare and Safety Context for Egret Observation

Observing egrets in the field requires attention to both bird welfare and observer safety. The following guidelines support responsible research and recreational observation.

Minimizing Disturbance

Egrets are sensitive to human disturbance, particularly at nesting colonies. Maintain a minimum distance of at least 30 meters from active nests and avoid approaching colonies during the breeding season. Limit observation sessions to avoid prolonged disturbance. If birds show signs of stress, including alarm calling, repeated flushing, or abandonment of nests, withdraw immediately.

Flight initiation distance varies by species and context. Cattle egrets foraging with cattle show lower flight initiation distances than when foraging alone, indicating that they tolerate closer approach when livestock are present [15]. However, this tolerance should not be interpreted as permission for close approach, and observers should always prioritize bird welfare.

Disease and Parasite Precautions

Wild birds can carry pathogens with zoonotic potential. A study in Southern Italy found Toxoplasma gondii in 5.9% of wild bird carcasses examined, with infected animals predominantly being non-migratory and omnivore or scavenger species [14]. While egrets were not the primary focus of this study, the findings underscore the importance of hygiene precautions when handling birds or their droppings.

Avian hepatitis E virus has been identified in little egrets, with a study in Hungary detecting a genetically divergent strain with high faecal viral load [7]. This finding highlights the need for protective measures when handling faecal samples or working in areas with high bird densities.

Botulism Risk in Wetland Habitats

Type C botulism has been documented in great egrets and other wild birds in urban park settings. A study in Brazil reported approximately 30 to 60 dead or sick animals in an urban park, including a great egret with neurological signs of limb paralysis, dyspnea, and neck flaccidity. Type C botulinum toxin was detected in submitted samples [16].

Observers who encounter sick or dead egrets should avoid handling carcasses and report findings to local wildlife authorities. Botulism outbreaks in wetlands indicate environmental conditions that may affect other wildlife and domestic animals.

Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness

Wild birds can carry antimicrobial resistant bacteria. Studies have documented extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing bacteria in cattle egrets and little egrets, with prevalence rates of 24.28% and 41.43% respectively [8]. These bacteria confer resistance to penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics. Observers handling birds or working in contaminated environments should practice strict hygiene, including glove use and hand washing.

Professional Escalation Criteria

Field observers should escalate concerns to qualified professionals under the following circumstances.

Wildlife Health Concerns

Report sick or dead egrets to local wildlife authorities when you observe multiple casualties, neurological signs, or unexplained mortality. Botulism outbreaks can affect large numbers of birds and require professional investigation [16]. Do not handle carcasses without appropriate protective equipment.

Environmental Contamination

If you observe signs of environmental contamination, including unusual algal blooms, fish kills, or industrial discharge near egret foraging habitats, report these findings to environmental protection agencies. Egret droppings can serve as indicators of metal contamination, and elevated levels may warrant professional monitoring [10].

Parasite or Disease Outbreaks

If you observe unusual parasite loads or disease signs in egret populations, contact wildlife health professionals. Cattle egrets host multiple parasite species [6][20], and little egrets can carry avian hepatitis E virus [7]. Professional assessment is needed to determine population-level impacts.

Research Collaboration

For researchers seeking to conduct molecular studies, including sex identification or species confirmation, collaboration with established laboratories is recommended. Published protocols for PCR-based sex identification [3] and species identification [19] require specialized equipment and expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell a great egret from a snowy egret?

The great egret is significantly larger, standing 80 to 104 cm tall, with a yellow bill and black legs. The snowy egret is smaller at 56 to 66 cm, with a black bill, black legs, and bright yellow feet. The yellow feet of the snowy egret are the most reliable distinguishing feature. Great egrets also have a more deliberate, slow foraging style, while snowy egrets are active feeders that use foot stirring and chasing techniques.

Why do cattle egrets follow livestock?

Cattle egrets forage alongside grazing livestock because the movement of cattle disturbs grassland insects, making prey more accessible. Research has shown that cattle egrets have significantly higher foraging efficiency when foraging with cattle compared to foraging alone. The presence of cattle also enables cattle egrets to tolerate potential predation risks, as indicated by lower flight initiation distances when foraging with livestock [15].

Do egrets only eat fish?

No, egret diets vary by species and habitat. Great egrets primarily consume fish, amphibians, and large aquatic insects in wetland habitats. Snowy egrets eat small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Cattle egrets are primarily terrestrial foragers that consume grasshoppers, flies, ticks, and other invertebrates disturbed by grazing livestock. A study of waterbird feeding ecology found that fish comprised 25% of the overall diet of waterbirds studied, with molluscs, worms, and crabs also being important prey [12].

Are egrets endangered?

Conservation status varies by species and region. The great egret was historically threatened by plume hunting but has recovered significantly. The Chinese egret is considered vulnerable, and molecular tools have been developed to support its conservation, including sex identification from faecal samples [21]. The crested ibis, a related species in the same family, was critically endangered with only seven individuals remaining in the wild by 1981, though conservation programs have supported recovery [9]. Local population status should be checked with regional conservation authorities.

Can egrets transmit diseases to livestock or humans?

Egrets can carry pathogens with potential relevance to animal and human health. Cattle egrets host parasites including Heterakis gallinarum, a nematode more commonly associated with poultry [20]. Little egrets have been found to carry avian hepatitis E virus [7], and wild birds can carry Toxoplasma gondii [14]. Egrets can also carry antimicrobial resistant bacteria, with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing bacteria documented in both cattle egrets and little egrets [8]. Good hygiene practices are recommended when working near egret habitats.

What should I do if I find a sick or dead egret?

Do not handle sick or dead egrets without appropriate protective equipment. Contact local wildlife authorities or veterinary professionals who can investigate the cause. Type C botulism has been documented in great egrets and can affect multiple birds in an area [16]. Multiple casualties or birds showing neurological signs warrant immediate professional attention.

How do farming practices affect egret feeding?

Farming practices significantly influence egret foraging success. Research in rice fields found that great egrets showed more hunting attempts per minute and a higher intake rate in conventional fields, but eco-friendly fields supported a higher abundance of larger-sized loaches. The study highlighted the importance of sustainable farming practices for the conservation of the great egret [11]. Farmers can support egret populations by maintaining wetland habitats and reducing chemical inputs.

What is the best way to observe egret feeding behavior?

Use the focal observation protocol described in this article, which involves selecting a single bird and observing it continuously for a minimum of 10 minutes. Record hunting attempts, successful captures, prey types, and foraging techniques. Maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds, and record environmental conditions that may influence feeding behavior. Systematic data collection across multiple sessions and habitats provides the most reliable basis for understanding egret feeding ecology.

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References and Further Reading

• NCBI Literature Resources. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
• PubMed. National Library of Medicine.
• New primers for sex identification in the Chinese egret and other ardeid species.. Molecular ecology resources, 2011.
• Relationship between heavy metals concentrations in egret species, their environment and food chain differences from two Headworks of Pakistan.. Chemosphere, 2013.
• DNA barcoding and phylogenetic relationships of Ardeidae (Aves: Ciconiiformes).. Genetics and molecular research : GMR, 2016.
• Filling the void: Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses of helminths assemblage from the Egyptian egret Bubulcus ibis.. Parasitology international, 2025.
• A novel avian-like hepatitis E virus in wild aquatic bird, little egret (Egretta garzetta), in Hungary.. Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases, 2016.
• Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Genetic Determinants in Gram-Negative Fecal-Microbiota of Wild Birds and Chicken Originated at Trimmu Barrage.. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland), 2023.
• Genomic signatures of near-extinction and rebirth of the crested ibis and other endangered bird species.. Genome biology, 2014.
• Species-Specific Accumulation and Temporal Variation of Metal(loid)s Shape the Population Trends of Large Wading Birds in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.. Archives of environmental contamination and toxicology, 2025.
• Feeding behavior and prey characteristics of great egrets (Ardea alba) in eco-friendly and conventional rice fields in South Korea.. 2025.
• Ecological insights on the feeding behaviour of waterbirds in an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area of South West Johor Coast, Malaysia.. 2025.
• Diversity of obligate ectoparasites and parasitism patterns in wild birds of the Balearic Islands: new chewing lice records for Spain.. 2026.
• Role of wild birds in the circulation of &lt,i&gt,Toxoplasma gondii&lt,/i&gt, in Southern Italy: molecular and epidemiological insights.. 2025.
• Why do Cattle Egrets forage with cattle? An analysis from an anti-predation perspective.. 2025.
• Botulism type C outbreak in free-ranging wild birds in a public urban park in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo state, Brazil.. 2025.
• Identification of microplastics in the digestive tract of Great Egret (Egretta alba) in Percut Sei Tuan, North Sumatra. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environment, 2025.
• Taxonomic revision, occurrence, and identification of Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia in North Queensland, Australia. Australian Field Ornithology, 2022.
• A novel multiplex PCR assay for species identification in the Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes) and Little Egret (E. garzetta). Conservation Genetics Resources, 2012.
• Morphological and molecular studies of the nematode parasite Heterakis gallinarum (Heterakidae) infecting the cattle egret Bubulcus ibis (Ardeidae). Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, 2023.
• An efficient molecular sexing of the vulnerable Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes) from faeces samples. Conservation Genetics Resources, 2012.

This article is educational and does not replace institutional policy, professional advice, or applicable safety and regulatory requirements.