Intermediate Egret

Mesophoyx intermedia 65-72cm

Naduththarakkokku in Tamil (நடுத்தரக்கொக்கு)

Widespread resident. Smaller than great with shorter bill and neck. Black gape line does not extend beyond eye. Bill is black and lores yellow green during courtship. Has black tipped yellow bill and yellow lores outside breeding season. Inland and coastal waters.