Fun Facts!

Snowy egrets like to go "dip-fishing" by flying with their feet just over the water. When they spot a small fish, they grab it for lunch!

Young egrets leave the nest after 20-25 days.

A male can change the color of his bill from yellow to red during different parts of the season.

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Snowy egrets stand nearly two feet tall and have long yellow legs and yellow feet. While they are tall, they only weigh nearly a pound. Their wings, covered with white feather, can span three feet.

HABITAT

Snowy egrets are live in warmer climates in the Western Hemisphere. Those living in the north migrate for the winter to Central America and the West Indies.

DIET IN THE WILD

Snowy egrets love to eat fish and crustaceans. They stalk their prey in shallow water and often shuffle their feet to assist in finding their dinner. The egrets can be seen combing inland fields after large animals and farmers have disrupted insects.

BEHAVIOR

Snowy egrets nest in colonies, often near other wading birds.

STATUS IN THE WILD/CONSERVATION EFFORTS

100 years ago, these animals were hunted because their beautiful white feathers were used to decorate hats. Now these bids are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the population has grown.

LIFE SPAN

This egret generally lives up to 16 years.