Egretta thula thula

(Molina, 1782)

Vernacular names
English : Snowy egret
French : Aigrette neigeuse

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Pelecaniformes
Family : Ardeidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a length of 68 cm for a weight up to 475 g and a wingspan of 91 cm. Plumage is entirely snowy-white with ornamental plumes on back, nape and breast. Long black bill with yellow cere. Black legs with yellow feet. Smaller subspecies with smaller bill.

Range and habitat
The species breeds in most of USA and also occurs in Central America and South America to central Argentina. Subspecies found from east and central USA to Argentina and Caribbean islands. Lives in salt-marshes, mangroves, lakes, rivers, swamps, up to 4000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is globally common and has recovered from dramatic decline due to ornamental plume trade in early XXth Century.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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