Project Description
Snowy Egret
Egretta thula
Range/Geographical Distribution: From Oregon and California east to New England, mainly along the coasts. Spends the winter months from Virginia south to the West Indies and South America.
Habitat: Marshes, ponds, mudflats, and swamps.
Similar Species: Great egret, white ibis, and wood stork.
Description: An all white heron with black legs, yellow feet, and a black bill. During breeding season, the snowy egret has long white plumes on its head and neck.
Size: Length: 22-26” Wingspan: 39” Weight: 370g
Food: Fish and invertebrates.
Breeding: The snowy egret lays three to five pale blue/green eggs on a platform of sticks placed in a bush, reed-bed, or on the ground. It nests in large colonies, often with other species of herons and egrets.
Predators: Owls, venomous snakes, eagles, raccoons, and alligators.
Conservation Status: Listed as least concern by IUCN.
Interesting Facts: The snowy egret feeds by sprinting through shallow waters chasing schools of fish, often feeding in groups. Their noticeable white color signals to other birds where the good feeding grounds are located.
On the Coast: Snowy egrets live along Georgia’s coast year-round. They can be seen nesting in colonies, which may include several hundred nests.