ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Snowy Egret

Snowy Egret

snowy egret

The spectacular head plumes of this species were once highly coveted as decorations for women's hats. At the height of their popularity in the hat trade, in the late 1800s, snowy egret plumes were worth more than their weight in gold! This led to destruction of a large percentage of the population, but they have since recovered nicely. The snowy egret is a state endangered species and a recent addition to the nesting species in the Western Basin of Lake Erie where they have established a colony on West Sister Island. The colony on West Sister is the largest in the U.S. Great Lakes and has been stable in recent years at 13-15 pairs.


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Snowy Egret
Egretta thula

At-a-Glance

• Peak Breeding Activity: March-April

• Incubation: 20-24 days

• Clutch Size: 3-5 eggs

• Young Fledge: 30 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: aquatic invertebrates, fish, reptiles, and amphibians

• Ohio Status: Endangered 
Description
These egrets are small and white with black bills and legs, and yellow feet. It has lacy plumes on its head, back, and neck during the breeding season.

Habitat and Habits
Snowy egrets are generally quite rare in Ohio, only being found reliably in the western Lake Erie marshes. They produce very harsh choking squawks; quite similar to great blue herons.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
This small egret almost invariably nests in mixed heronries. Within their breeding colonies, snowy egrets normally place their nests in the middle levels of vegetation at heights of 3-10 feet. Nesting activites occur during May and young egrets hatch in late June and early July.