Snowy EgretSnowy Egret -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 22 - 26 inches | Wingspan: 42 inches | Seasonality: Migrant/Summer |
| ID Keys: Black legs with contrasting yellow feet, black bill, all white plumage | ||
Snowy Egret
Egretta thula
The elegant snowy egret was killed by the thousands in the 1800's for its long, lacy breeding plumage, which was used for women's hats and other clothing. It has recovered both in range and numbers since that time. Of the white egrets found in South Dakota, the Snowy Egret can be identified by its size (smaller than the Great Egret), it's yellow feet contrasting with black legs. See the Identification Tips page for differentiating among the white Egrets and Herons in the state.
Habitat: Prefers large sloughs or marshes, sometimes edges of ponds or lakes.
Diet: Varies, but includes fish, crustaceans, insects, frogs, lizards, snakes, rodents, snails, and worms.
Nesting: June and July
Breeding Map: Breeding bird survey map
Song: Generally silent
Migrations: Birds in the interior of the country migrate to U.S. coastal areas, Mexico, and Central America in the fall.
Similar Species: Cattle Egret, Great Egret, immature Little Blue Heron. See Identification Tips for differentiating between these species.
Status: Expanding range to the north and increasing population.
Further Information: 1) USGS
Patuxent
Bird Identification InfoCenter, Snowy Egret
2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Snowy Egret
Photo Information: June 23rd, 2005 - Near Chincoteague, Virginia - Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Snowy Egret photos.
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
