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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.

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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.

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Snowy Egret Range Map
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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.