About Egretta thula (Molina, 1782)
Adult Plumage
Adult snowy egrets (Egretta thula) are entirely white, with the exception of yellow lores located between their long black bills and eyes, black legs, and bright yellow feet.
Distinctive Plumes
Long, shaggy plumes called aigrettes grow on their nape and neck.
Immature Features
Immature snowy egrets have duller, greenish legs.
Size Measurements
This species measures 22.1 to 26.0 inches (56 to 66 cm) in length, has an average weight of 13.1 oz (370 g), and a wingspan of 39.4 inches (100 cm).
Native Range
The snowy egret is native to North, Central, and South America.
Year-Round Habitats
It lives year-round in South America, ranging as far south as Chile and Argentina. It also stays year-round in the West Indies, Florida, and coastal regions of North and Central America.
Migratory Populations
In other parts of the southern United States, the species is migratory, and breeds in California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Wetland Habitats
Snowy egrets inhabit many types of wetlands, including marshes, riverbanks, lakesides, pools, salt marshes, and estuaries.
Habitat Limitations
They are not found at high altitudes, and are generally not found on open coast.
Vagrant Records
The snowy egret has appeared as a vagrant in Europe, specifically in Iceland, Scotland, and the Azores, and has also been recorded in South Africa.
