The Snowy Egret

The snowy egret is a moderately sized heron, standing about two feet tall. As its name implies, it is white in color. Snowies, as they are sometimes called, are very common around the California coastal areas. At one time, these birds were hunted for their plumage and in 1900, were considered extinct in the state of California. Due to the protective efforts of the Audubon Society, it became illegal to hunt the snowy egret, and the population began to rebound. By 1908, they were making a healthy comeback.

The snowy egret (Egretta thula) hails from the family Ardeidae. The length of this pretty, white heron is 22-26 inches (56-66cm). It boasts a wingspan of 97 centimeters. These herons appear in North America along the coast of Maine during breeding season, all the way down to Florida. They also frequent the Texas coast down to the Gulf of Mexico, and of course, the California coastline. Snowies have even been seen in several inland western states. They are also seen in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Some breed as far south as Argentina.

A great identifier would most definitely be the black legs and yellow feet ( I picture black leggings with yellow boots!) For us, this color combination would be a fashion faux pas, but the Snowie carries the look well! The yellow color can extend up the back of the legs. The lores (an area between the eyes) are a dull yellow that becomes brighter as breeding season approaches, sometimes turning a bright red. This makes quite a contrast with the black bill. The onset of breeding season also causes this heron to grow thick, luxurious head and neck plumes that cascade down its back. Any type of irritation will cause the Snowie to exhibit his breeding plumage in all its glory, and the voice will emit a harsh "aah" sound. Snowy egrets are known to take part in displays of flight that show off its appearance to the opposite sex. There is fierce competition among the males. This is not helped by the fact that the birds nest in colonies that are composed of tightly compacted nesting areas. The nest is built of sticks arranged in a platform that is low in the trees. Once breeding is complete, the female lays a clutch of 3-5 eggs that are blue-green in color.

Snowy egrets are hardy feeders with a diverse diet. They tend to choose fish over everything else but frogs, crayfish, insects, snakes, and mollusks are all considered a good meal by the Snowie. These birds are waders who can be very quick and very quiet during hunting, or they can be splashy and loud. Either way, they manage to eat well.

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