bird · GBIF taxon 2480873
Egretta thula
egretta thulaAlso known as Snowy Heron
Snowy egrets are slender white herons easily recognized by their contrasting black bills, black legs, and bright yellow feet. They hunt in shallow waters, using their vibrant feet to stir up mud and flush out small aquatic prey. Once hunted to near-extinction for their delicate breeding plumes, these resilient birds have made a remarkable recovery across the Americas.
WetlandCoastalActive Hunter
Licensed referenceChuck Homler d/b/a Focus On Wildlife / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Small fish, crabs, shrimp, frogs, and aquatic insects
- family
- Ardeidae
- threats
- Wetland habitat degradation, water pollution, and coastal development
- life Span
- 15 to 17 years
LC
Sharp bill can deliver a painful defensive stab; observe from a respectful distance.
- Watch the feet: Look for their active feeding style, where they vibrate their yellow feet to flush out prey.
- Keep your distance: Avoid approaching nesting colonies, as disturbance can cause parents to abandon eggs.