How to Identify a Snowy Egret

The snowy egret is a member of the heron family. Tall and graceful, this wading bird was hunted almost to extinction in the 19th century because its showy plumes were so popular in the women's hat industry. The snowy egret, its eggs, nests and feathers are still under the protection of the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look at photos of the snowy egret, which is smaller than a great egret, but no less imposing. The snowy egret has a black bill, yellow facial skin and feet. Both males and females are similar in appearance and are about 38 inches high. Despite having hollow bones, snowy egrets are quite sturdy and don't break easily.

2. Find the snowy egret almost anywhere along the East Coast. They spend their winters in the Caribbean and Central America. Wherever they are, they can feed in both fresh and salt water.

3. Know the diet of a snowy egret. They like fish, crabs, amphibians and insects. If you ever get a chance to watch snowy egrets, you might catch them sprinting through shallow waters to chase schools of minnows and shrimp for dinner.

4. Research the nesting habits of the snowy egret. It breeds once a year and females lay 3 to 5 greenish blue eggs that hatch in 3 or 4 weeks. Both parents watch the nests.

5. Learn the snowy egret's nesting habits. This bird prefers to nest in busier, noisier locations because isolated areas have more predators.

Tips & Warnings

• Egrets can naturally recognize and avoid poisonous snakes.

Resources

• Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
• Birds and Wildlife of the Gulf Coast.