Avipedia
Snowy Egret

Snowy Egret

Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57175365" class="extiw" title="d:Q57175365"><span title="German-American photographer, Wikipedian, and Executive Director of the Wiki Education Foundation">Frank Schulenburg</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)

NameSnowy Egret
Common NameSnowy Egret
Scientific NameEgretta thula
FamilyArdeidae
Wingspan (cm)102
Length (cm)61
Weight (g)370
Plumage DetailsEntirely white plumage, with delicate lacy plumes on the head, neck, and back during breeding season. It has bright yellow lores (skin between the eye and bill), a slender black bill, black legs, and distinctive bright yellow feet.
Vocalization / CallTypically quiet, but can emit harsh, croaking calls, especially when disturbed or in breeding colonies. Calls include a low 'aah-aah' or 'wrrrooo' sound.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, ponds, estuaries, coastlines, lakes
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout the Americas, breeding from southern Canada and the United States south through Central America, the Caribbean, and South America to Argentina and Chile. Northern populations migrate south for winter.
Identifying Featuresall-white plumage, black bill, black legs, bright yellow feet, yellow lores (especially during breeding)

Description

The Snowy Egret is a medium-sized, elegant white heron found in wetlands across the Americas. It actively forages in shallow water, often stirring its feet to flush out prey. This species is known for its graceful movements and striking yellow feet.

Related Bird species