Snowy egret
Latin Name
Egretta thula
Class
Birds
Order
Ciconiiformes
Description
Egretta thula
Class
Birds
Order
Ciconiiformes
Description
The snowy egret gets its name from its all-white plumage, although the species' black legs and yellow feet also distinguish it. Upon reaching maturity, adult birds develop long, fine plumes of feathers along the chest, back and neck.
Range
Status
Habitat
Niche
Life History
Special Adaptations
The snowy egret can be found throughout North and South America.
Status
Common
Habitat
This heron species prefers to inhabit the shallow waters of bays, inlets, swamps, ponds and lagoons.
Niche
The snowy egret preys on a wide variety of creatures both in and out of the water. The bird's large bill can be used to grasp prey ranging from earthworms and insects to fish, snakes and lizards.
Life History
Males attract mates by performing vocalizations and displays such as bobbing motions delivered with the bill stretched toward the sky. The female builds her nest from sticks and twigs, and both parents contribute to the incubation and rearing of young.
Special Adaptations
The snowy egret's long, thin toes enable it to step easily through the water.
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