Snowy Egrets

Did you know the snowy egret population was decimated in the 1800s all in the name of fashion? The snowy egret grows long, white, wispy feathers on its back, neck, and head during breeding season, and displays them to attract a mate. They were hunted and killed in masses, so that the beautiful feathers could be used to decorate ladies’ hats. The birds often were slaughtered during the breeding season at their nesting sites, resulting in the loss of breeding adults and the newborns who died from starvation.

Thanks to concerned citizens, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 was adopted and the species recovered. The snowy egret is an all-white wading bird with a long black bill, black legs, and oversized, bright yellow feet, which they put to good use. They can place them in the water and use them to lure prey, or they can swish the water to rustle up an aquatic snack. The long thin bill, distinguished by a small yellow spot at its base, can be used to spear fish and other prey.

Snowy egrets nest in colonies, often with other small herons...usually near wetlands, and along the edges of rivers, lakes and lagoons. They display their fine feathers during courtship, as well as during face-offs in defense of their territory. The optimistic male starts building a nest even before he has found a mate. The female finishes building the nest (“puts her stamp on it?”) then lays about four eggs. Both the male and female take turns incubating the eggs. Hatchlings stay in the nest a month or so and make their presence known with loud squawking.  They can live up to 10 years (if lucky). Owls, hawks, raccoons, and some snakes prey upon snowy egrets and their young.

With a 40-inch wingspan, snowy egrets could fly far, but they can be found year-round in The Landings and across the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Caribbean, South America, and parts of the Southwest. Some snowy egrets will migrate north along the Atlantic Coast, and even into the Midwest.

All aquatic wildlife – from big wading birds to the little fish they eat – need clean water. To help protect water quality on which aquatic life depends, consider replacing part of your lawn with native plants, which require less fertilizer, water and chemicals. This reduces the amount of pollutants that rainwater washes into waterways. For more information on native plants, click on Nature Notices at skidawayaudubon.org. The website also includes information about upcoming Skidaway Audubon events, volunteer opportunities, and how to become an Audubon donor.