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Graceful Appearance and Polite Habits Make

 Wading Bird a Favorite for Artists and Birders

By Neil Stalter

 

The Snowy Egret has long held a cherished place in the hearts of songwriters, poets and avid birders. To watch this elegant wading bird as it flies over a pond on its gossamer wings can take away your breath. Their wings become almost transparent as they shine with each wingbeat.

Identifying this smallish egret, about half the size of the Great Egret, can bring on the poetry. Its black legs and yellow feet make it distinctive – and have been described as “black leotards leading to bright, golden slippers.” Its sleek, black bill tops off the look.

While its mating plumage brightens the Snowy Egret’s look . . . and its feeding habits show grace . . .  its long, lovely white plumes seen during breeding season can be really riveting. Its feathers almost caused its demise in the 1890s and early 20th century as hunters decimated many colonies in search of gorgeous feathers for women’s hats. In fact, this led to creation of the Audubon Society and to President Theodore Roosevelt’s establishment of nature preserves beginning with Pelican Island in Indian River County.

A year-round Florida resident, the Snowy Egret may also be confused with the Cattle Egret. That species, since arriving in the 1950s from Africa through South America, has propagated well in the American southeast. Overall, it is less delicate and has a prominent bill that is yellow, not black.

Snowy Egrets measure about 24” with a 42” wingspan. They seldom soar, but can fly long distances to feed and nest. Male and female are identical.

 

The diet for Snowy Egrets is impressively wide. Aquatic insects, crustaceans, other invertebrates, amphibians and small fish form the bulk of its intake. However, land bugs and worms will do nicely. They move quickly along the pond edges, shifting the silt with their feet, then darting with their bill to capture prey.

The Snowy, like most Egrets, lives in mixed colonies of wading birds. Our dredge-spoil islands offer ideal isolation and space. They raise one brood a year, usually of 3-5 chicks. They are known to live over 10 years in the wild.

 

The Snowy Egret is one of 58 species illustrated and described in the color guide, “Birds of Grand Harbor” published by and available from Grand Harbor Audubon.