The snowy egret is a small white heron. The genus name comes from Provençal French for the little egret, aigrette, which is a diminutive of aigron, 'heron'. The species name thula is the Mapudungun term for the black-necked swan, applied to this species in error by Chilean naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina in 1782.
Region
Americas
Typical Environment
Found from the United States through Central America and much of South America, including the Caribbean. Occupies coastal marshes, estuaries, mangroves, lagoons, ponds, rice fields, and freshwater wetlands. Frequently forages along mudflats and shallow shorelines, as well as in flooded fields. It adapts well to human-modified wetlands where shallow water and prey are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The snowy egret is a small, elegant white heron famed for its wispy breeding plumes, once prized in the plume trade and instrumental in early bird conservation efforts. It uses its bright yellow feet to stir up prey in shallow water, a distinctive foraging tactic. In breeding season, the lores can flush reddish and ornate aigrette plumes appear on the head, neck, and back.
A snowy egret catches a fish
Temperament
alert, social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Often forages alone or in loose groups and readily mixes with other herons and egrets. Nests colonially, frequently in mixed heronries, building stick nests in trees, shrubs, or mangroves. Pairs are seasonally monogamous; both sexes participate in nest building, incubation, and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet away from colonies, giving soft nasal calls. At nesting sites, produces harsh croaks and squawks during displays and territorial encounters.
