Great Egret subspecies modesta vs alba (1 Viewer)

Hi all,

I'm looking for info on the identification and distribution of the 2 subspecies of Great Egret, modesta and alba.

I'm currently in Japan with work, at the weekend I found what I believe to be a great Egret of the subspecies alba, modesta is the more common subspecies in Japan.

Any info on identification and distribution would be most appreciated,

many thanks in advance,

Rob

A few items of relevance:

• HeronConservation species accounts:
  • Great Egret
  • Eastern Great Egret
• Pratt 2011. Observations on species limits in the Great Egret (Ardea alba) complex.
• BirdForum thread with extensive discussion.