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Snowy Egret
Egretta thula
30.2079, -91.897
Field Notes
Description:
A small, active white heron, the Snowy Egret is found in small ponds as well as along the ocean shore. Its black legs and yellow feet quickly identify it. It has a dark bill. Several were nesting in the lower shrubs.
Habitat:
Lake Martin Bird Sanctuary is located in southwest Louisiana near Breaux Bridge. This is a large rookery.
Notes:
Once mated, the male gathers the material for the nest while the female builds the nest. The nest is a shallow platform of sticks, usually low in a tree, or on the ground in the grasses of a marsh. Snowy Egrets nest in colonies and are very social on their nesting grounds. The female lays 3-4 eggs and both adults incubate the eggs for 18-20 days. Like the Great Egret, they can’t recognize each other at the nest. The mate approaching the nest must do an elaborate greeting ceremony, first by raising the plumbs on its head, and then bowing to the sitting bird. Once the identity is confirmed, the nesting bird leaves the nest for its mate to take over.
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