Watch for these elegant birds along coastlines and in swamps. Plus, learn why the snowy egret is a meaningful conservation success story.
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What Does a Snowy Egret Look Like?
“Elegant” might be a good descriptor for the snowy egret, which stands out like a white rose against the brown and green of a coastline. To identify them, birders should look for its classic all-white feathers, which include unique, puffy plumes during breeding season. In addition, keep an eye out for a black beak and black legs, and the bird’s classic, eye-catching yellow feet. At first glance birders might confuse them with great egrets, but the smaller size, yellow feet and black bill of the snowy distinguishes it from its relative.
Today’s population of snowy egrets result from years of conservation efforts. During the late 19th century, snowy egrets were hunted for their breeding-season plumes, which were then used to decorate women’s clothing. Thankfully, the practice was abolished in the early 1900s, and populations have been stable for longer than 50 years.
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Range and Habitat
Snowy egrets live year-round along coastlines, including most of the East and West coasts and all of Florida. After breeding season, the birds often move north and may be spotted in swamps and marshes. Their non-breeding range includes much of the United States, excluding the upper Pacific Northwest and Midwest, and portions of the Northeast. Birders can find them in fresh or saltwater.
These birds prefer thick vegetation — you’d likely spot them in mostly empty places, where they’ll gather in a large colony. Their breeding-season habitat includes salt marsh islands and shallow bays; during the winter they find grassy ponds and freshwater swamps, among other habitats.
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Diet: What Do Snowy Egrets Eat?
The snowy egret’s water-based habitat provides it with aquatic foods. They eat fish, frogs, insects, snakes, and crabs, which they catch by probing in the water or in mud. They may also stir water with their feet to get prey to emerge.
Nesting Habits
Snowy egrets nest in colonies. Males choose a nesting site and put on courtship displays in that location. Nests, once built employing efforts from both the male and female, are typically located in a shrub or tree and made from sticks. Females lay two to six eggs. Incubation period is between three and four weeks; birds remain in the nest for about three weeks and may need a month to be able to fly.
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Songs and Calls
To identify a snowy egret by ear, listen for a harsh, raspy squawk. Typically, they only make noise during breeding season.
Sources
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, “Snowy Egret: Overview“
- National Audubon Society, “Bird Guide: Snowy Egret“
