Snowy egret

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

The snowy egret has a fairly wide range. They breed as far north as southern Canada and are a year-round resident in the West Indies, Central and South America, southern California, and the southeastern US.

The snowy egret primarily occurs within New Jersey only during the breeding season and along the coast. They may occasionally be observed in winter as well. They may also be observed inland but they appear in their greatest numbers along the coast which is where the vase majority of New Jersey’s egrets nest.

Their preferred habitat is wetland and forest bordering water bodies. They nest in trees by fresh or salt water and forage in and alongside water bodies. Nests are usually 5-10 feet above the ground but sometimes as high as 30 feet.

DIET

Snowy egrets feed on fish, aquatic invertebrates and even small snakes and lizards. They feed by wading into or alongside water and spearing their prey with their long beak.

LIFE CYCLE

The snowy egret’s breeding season begins in April or May and ends by late August. They nest in colonies which are often quite large and may be occupied by other heron and egret species as well.

Both the male and female build the nest. Three or four greenish-blue eggs are laid and then incubated by both adults for 20-24 days. The nestlings are semialtrical and are cared for by both parents. The young will leave the nest for nearby branches at about 3-4 weeks of age.