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Snowy Egret

ID Info
Silhouette HeronsHerons
Snowy EgretEgretta thula
  • ORDER: Pelecaniformes
  • FAMILY: Ardeidae

Basic Description

Among the most elegant of the herons, the slender Snowy Egret sets off immaculate white plumage with black legs and brilliant yellow feet. Those feet seem to play a role in stirring up or herding small aquatic animals as the egret forages. Breeding Snowy Egrets grow filmy, curving plumes that once fetched astronomical prices in the fashion industry, endangering the species. Early conservationists rallied to protect egrets by the early twentieth century, and this species is once again a common sight in shallow coastal wetlands.

More ID Info
image of range map for Snowy Egret
Year-roundBreedingMigrationNonbreeding
Range map provided by Birds of the World
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Find This Bird

Your best chances of seeing Snowy Egrets will come on a trip to the coast, especially to places with mudflats and tidal wetlands. Scan the shallows for slender, medium-sized white herons with black bills and legs. A closer inspection will likely reveal the yellow facial skin and feet of a Snowy Egret.

Other Names

  • Garceta Nívea (Spanish)
  • Aigrette neigeuse (French)
  • Cool Facts