The Intermediate Egret is a medium white heron with a relatively short yellow or bicolored bill and, in breeding, exceptionally long back plumes.The plumage of this heron is all white with cream or off white tinge. The bill color is basically yellow, but varies seasonally and geographically from yellow, black, to yellow and black, to yellow and brown. The irises are yellow and the lores are pale yellow. The legs are dark, sometimes two toned. In breeding, a train of long aigrette plumes extends along the back to 10 cm beyond the tail. Similar plumes extend from the lower neck forming a pronounced bib. Head has a slight crest but no plumes. Soft parts change color in breeding season, in geographically variable ways (see below). Coloration changes rapidly during nesting, being intense during courtship and fading thereafter.

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