A common heron of Oklahoma, the Snowy Egret was once a victim of human selfishness. During the early 1900s, its feathers were taken for the millinery (hat) trade. Through the Migratory Treaty Bird Act of 1918, taking any birds or bird parts, which included feathers, saved the life of this bird, as well as the remainder of the herons and egrets.
This beautiful heron is utterly spectacular in adult breeding plumage. It has an air of mystery about it, and it is truly a graceful animal, appearing delicate and similar to royalty . The species nests in island trees, as well as single trees growing in water. Some will forage for food in open water where there is plenty of room, while others prefer solitary foraging. The species breeds on the coast or inland where there are lakes, estuaries and other appropriate bodies of water.
Snowy Egret
High Breeding Plumage
High Island, Texas
The medium sized adult birds have bright yellow feet, which will become orange or red-orange during times of high breeding plumage, its plumes or aegretta, will stand up and they will run from the head, the breast, down the back, and curve upward at the tail.
Enemies are snakes, raccoons, the Fish Crow, and sometimes even the older nestmates. The youngest usually does not survive due to the aggressiveness of its siblings. They are incubated as the eggs are laid, so the youngest could be a week junior to the eldest.
One of the classics that this bird is known for, is its feeding technique. It was born with its own personal fishing lures, which are the yellow feet. When the snowy is foraging it will use its feet in a rakelike manner or move them upward and in a circular motion to drawn food skyward. It will then easily take its prey from the top of the water.
Snowy Egret
nonbreeding Plumage
Known as the Bird With the Golden Slippers, the Snowy Egret gives the impression of an ethereal nature, especially in breeding plumage. To make them even more interesting, they have a "wah-wah-wah" call which almost sounds like a gurgling, and that clearly designates a Snowy Egret colony.
Many of these wading birds will overwinter on the Gulf coast, but good numbers will also go as far as central Brazil. It all depends upon where they settle pre-breeding that determines post-breeding locale.
Oddly enough, in the 1830s, this bird was nesting as far north as New Jersey, and by the mid-1800's, it was at the Great Salt lake. As time progresses in the global warming situation, they could well become northbound once again. It will all depend on the survival of their preferred food sources.
Snowy Egret
Texas
January 2017
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