Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
Smaller than the Great Egret, this beautiful bird can be easily recognized by the black bill and yellow feet. He can be found in most coastal areas of the United States as well as inland marshes and ponds. During the 19th century, Snowy Egrets were slaughtered almost to extinction for their beautiful plumes, used to decorate hats. Fortunately, complete protection has brought their numbers back up again.
The three photos below are of the elegant Snowy Egret. All three were taken on Sanibel Island, Florida.
The two photos directly above were taken at the pond out back of our home. The one above on the far right was taken in Orange County, Florida. Notice how easy it is to identify the Snowy by his yellow feet and his black bill. Normally, the skin between his bill and eye, the lores, is yellow. When you look at the images of the Snowy in breeding plumage, you'll see a difference in color there.
