Egretta thula
Length: 20-30 in Wingspan: 35-45 in Weight: 1 lb
Identification:
Small white bird with black bill, black legs, and yellow feet. Lores are typically yellow, becoming red for a brief period during courtship.
Distribution:
Resident along the Gulf Coast of the United States, coastal Mexico, and the Caribbean. Range extends to inland United States during summer, and southwestern US and inland Mexico during winter.
Cool Facts:
Breeding herons and egrets briefly develop bright, colorful skin patches in front of their eyes for courtship each year, with peak vividness lasting only a few days. The Snowy Egret transitions from yellow lores to red, and their feet become a more vibrant yellow.
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