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Snowy Egret

Egretta thula ORDER: CICONIIFORMES FAMILY: ARDEIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Snowy Egret Photo

© William L. Newton / CLO

A small, active white heron, the Snowy Egret is found in small ponds as well as along the ocean shore. Its black legs and yellow feet quickly identify it.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Herons
Herons
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized, slender all-white heron.
  • Black legs and yellow feet.
  • Long thin neck, bill, and legs.
  • Bill dark.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but bill pale at base and legs yellow with black front edge.

Range Map Help

Snowy Egret Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Similar Species

  • Immature Little Blue Heron has pale, dull green legs and feet and a bill that is mostly grayish, with a black tip.
  • Great Egret is larger, has a mostly yellow bill, and deep black legs and feet.
  • Great White Heron, the white form of the Great Blue Heron, is much larger, and has a heavier, mostly yellow bill.
  • The white form of the Reddish Egret has a dark or bi-colored bill with a pink base, is larger and shaggier, has all dark legs and feet, and is found only in salt water.
  • Cattle Egret is much shorter and stockier, has a thick, usually yellow bill, and often has a reddish wash over the head, back, and chest.