Florida is home to many different kinds of egrets and birds. Some of these birds are big and white, while others are smaller and have different colors like white, brown, or blue.
They live in wetlands, ponds, and along the coast. All egrets like to stand in shallow water and look for food like fish and bugs.
In this blog post, I will explore the 4 main types of egrets in Florida.
All Types of Egrets in Florida
There are 4 types of egrets found throughout Florida, ranging from the large Great Egret to the rare Reddish Egret species. Here is the list of the 4 egrets:
- Great Egret
- Snowy Egret
- Cattle Egret
- Reddish Egret
Let’s explore these 4 egrets in Florida. Look below to learn how to identify these birds, where you can find them in Florida, their habitats, diets, and more.
1. Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Great Egret
Great egrets are big and white birds in Florida. This bird has a long neck with a yellow bill and long black legs. These birds can grow up to 3.3 to 3.7 feet with a wingspan of up to 1.4 meters and weigh up to 1 kg. Great Egrets are entirely white with some black plumes on their backs and tails. They eat fish and other small animals, build their nests in trees and shrubs, and are easily recognized by their long legs, S-shaped neck, and yellow bill.
- Where to find: Wetlands, swamps, and along the coast of Florida.
- Diet: Fish, frogs, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and other small animals.
- Habitat: Near water, such as in marshes, swamps, and ponds. They build their nests in trees and shrubs near the water.
- How to Identify: Big white birds with long legs, a long S-shaped neck, yellow bills, and black feet. They are larger than many other white birds you might see in Florida.
2. Snowy Egret
Snowy Egret
The Snowy Egret is a white wading bird found in Florida and other parts of the United States. In Florida, snowy egrets can be found in aquatic habitats, such as marshes, swamps, ponds, and coastal areas, especially in the winter months. The Snowy Egret has a black bill with white plumage, long black legs, and yellow feet. During the breeding season, it develops long feathers on its head, neck, and back.
- Habitat: Wetland habitats like marshes, swamps, ponds, lakes, tidal flats, and coastal areas.
- Size: Snowy Egrets are one of the smallest egret species, growing up to 22-26 inches in length with a wingspan of up to 38 inches.
- Diet: Small fish, insects, crustaceans, and other small animals.
- How to Identify: Small size, long black legs, and yellow feet. During the breeding season, they develop long feathers on their back, neck, and head.
3. Cattle Egret
Cattle Egret
Cattle Egrets are small white birds that can be found in fields, pastures, and other open areas in Florida. They have a short, thick neck and a stout yellow bill. During the breeding season, cattle egrets develop bright orange-buff plumes on their head, neck, and back. Cattle Egrets can grow up to 18 inches tall with a wingspan of 35 inches.
- Where to find: Fields, pastures, and other open areas.
- Diet: Insects, such as grasshoppers and beetles, and other small animals, such as frogs and lizards.
- Habitat: Adaptable to a variety of habitats, from grasslands and savannas to wetlands and coastal areas.
- How to Identify: Compact size, white plumage, and yellow bill. During the breeding season, they develop orange-buff plumes. They also have a habit of perching on the backs of grazing cattle.
4. Reddish Egret
Reddish Egret
The Reddish Egret is a medium-sized heron with a shaggy rusty-colored neck and a heavy bill. Reddish Egrets have long legs and long necks. They have two color morphs: an all-white morph and a reddish morph. They nest in trees and are larger than Snowy Egrets. Reddish Egrets can grow up to 31 inches in length, weigh around 850 g, and have a wingspan of 46 inches. Dark Morph adults have blue bodies with vivid pinkish heads and necks.
- Where to find: Coastal areas, such as mangrove swamps, mudflats, and tidal creeks.
- Diet: Small fish and other aquatic animals, which they catch by running through shallow water.
- Habitat: Coastal areas where they can find shallow water to feed in. They nest in colonies in trees or bushes near the water.
- How to Identify: Medium-sized birds with reddish-brown bodies and shaggy crests on their head. They have a long, thin bill that is black at the tip and pale at the base.
People Also Ask
- What do Florida egrets look like?
- Florida egrets are tall, wading birds with long legs and white feathers. They have long, pointed beaks and yellow eyes. They can grow up to three feet tall and have a wingspan of up to four feet.
- Are there egrets or herons in Florida?
- Yes! You can find both egrets and herons in Florida. There are 4 types of egrets and 6 types of herons found in Florida.
- Are egrets protected in Florida?
- Yes, Reddish egrets are protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act in Florida. They are listed as a threatened species by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule.
- Are egrets rare in Florida?
- Not all egrets are rare in Florida, but Reddish egrets are considered very rare because they are listed as a threatened species.
- How long do Florida egrets live?
- Florida egrets can live up to 15 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity.
Conclusion
Florida is home to several species of egrets, including great egrets, cattle egrets, reddish egrets, and little blue herons. These birds live near water and feed on fish, insects, and other small animals. Egrets are easily recognized by their long legs, S-shaped necks, and white or bluish-gray feathers. Let’s appreciate and protect these beautiful birds as they add charm to Florida’s natural landscapes.