| Identification | Adult Snowy Egrets have bright white plumage with tufted crests (aigrettes), a long black bill with a bright yellow patch at the base and around the eye, piercing yellow eyes, black legs, and yellow feet. Immature Snowy Egrets have light green legs. |
| Adult Length | – feet ( inches). |
| Adult Weight | oz ( g). |
| Wingspan | – feet ( inches). |
| Taxonomy | Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Pelecaniformes, Family: Ardeidae, Genus: Egretta, Species: E.
thula, Binomial Name: Egretta thula, Scientific Name: Egretta thula. |
| Range | North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean islands. |
| Migration | Snowy Egrets are migratory birds, flying to warmer climates during winter months when temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius).Biography of snowy egrets However, they still face challenges, including habitat loss due to urbanization, pollution, and climate change. Role in Ecosystems Snowy egrets play a crucial role in their ecosystems, acting as both predator and prey. Immatures may have legs mostly greenish at first, base of bill gray; see immature Little Blue Heron. It is not found at high altitudes nor generally on the coast. They migrate to places like Florida and South America. |
| Habitat | Wetlands, ponds, streams, rivers, and estuaries. |
| Diet | Primarily small fish (minnows, catfish), frogs, insects (dragonflies, beetles), crabs, and various invertebrates and crustaceans (crayfish, snails, squid). |
| Global Extent of Occurrence | Approximately 19,, square miles (51,, km2). |
| Population | North America Population: Estimated , individuals. |
| Conservation Status | Listed as Least Concern (Population Increasing). |
| Lifespan | In the Wild: 17 years of age; In Captivity: 22 years of age. |
| Breeding Period | March – April. |
| Incubation Duration | 24–25 days. |
| Nestling Duration | 20–24 days. |
| Clutch Size | 2–6 eggs. |
| Egg Color | Light Blue. |
| Nesting Habits | Snowy Egrets nest in both saltwater and fresh habitats.
They construct shallow nests made of sticks and lined with small branches. Nests are typically built on the ground, in shrubs, or in trees up to 30 feet high. Both adults take turns incubating the eggs. Nestlings leave the nest in 19 to 25 days and start hopping from branch to branch, eventually flying at around 30 days. |