(Egretta thula)
22 to 26 inches

photograph © Walker Golder

Status: State-listed as Species of Special Concern.

Identification: Snowy Egrets are entirely white with black legs and a black bill. Feet and lores are yellow, but turn reddish for a short period during courtship.
Nesting Habitat: Snowy Egrets nest primarily in shrub thickets and trees on estuarine and barrier islands. Occasionally, they will nest in marsh grasses and rarely on the ground. This species is also known to nest in swamp forests.
Breeding Biology: Snowy Egrets may begin to breed at one year of age. Initiation of nesting activities begins in April and may continue until June. Adults construct platform nests, usually less than 18 inches in diameter, made of interwoven plant stems and twigs. The females lay three to five pale bluish-green eggs, one every other day. Both parents participate in incubation which lasts for 18 days. Nestlings begin to fly at about 30 days of age. Snowy Egrets occupy North Carolina colony sites from April to early August.
Food: Food consists primarily of small fish, crustaceans and insects, buit also includes small reptiles and amphibians.
State Nesting Population: Declining, approximately 700 nesting pairs.
Major Threats: Human disturbances at nesting sites, loss of suitable nesting sites and habitat, and degradation of wetland foraging habitats.

Waterbirds:
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Last Revision 5/21/98