The Plumed Egret is distributed in the north and east of Australia and nearby New Guinea. See the distribution map at Birdlife International.

It is traditionally treated as a sub-species of Intermediate Egret but the HBW and Birdlife International checklist has split it partly on the basis of its breeding plumage. In breeding plumage, Intermediate Egret has a black bill and legs whereas Plumed Egret has a reddish bill and reddish upper legs. Although not in full breeding plumage photo 3 shows the reddish tinge on the legs.