Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)

Snowy Egret (breeding plumage) at Smith Oaks Rookery
image © John Nelson

Family: (Ardeidae) Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns

Preferred Habitat: Wetlands.

Seasonal Occurrence: Common throughout the year

Notes: Snowy Egrets are distinguished from Great Egrets by their smaller size, black bills and black legs with bright yellow feet. Snowy Egrets nest in mixed colonies along with other species of herons. In 2005 there were 136 Snowy Egret nests counted at Smith Oaks Rookery. North Deer Island is also used as a rookery. When in breeding plumage, Snowy Egrets develop lacy, long feathers along their heads and necks. At the peak of breeding season the feet and skin around the eyes become red. Snowy Egrets are commonly spotted along the edges of Houston's bayous and lakes. They prefer to feed in shallow water where they spear small fish, frogs and tadpoles.
- Susan Billetdeaux