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ADULT Has pure white plumage with elegant plumes evident during breeding season. Legs are black and feet are yellow (orange tinged at height of breeding season). Daggerlike bill is dark and lores are yellow for much of the time, but are flushed red in breeding season. juvenile Similar to adult, but backs of legs are yellow.
Dimensions
Length: 20-27"
Voice
Mainly silent.
Discussion
Great white, Snowy, and Cattle Egrets similar in appearance. Stocky, mainly white heron-like bird with a proportionately large head and bulbous throat. Adult Snowy Egret's bright yellow feet, contrasting with otherwise black legs, and its black bill, are diagnostic. Long periods of time are spent roosting and preening. Sometimes adopts a patient, wait-and-see approach to feeding but also employs more energetic tactics in pursuit of fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.