Watercolor portrait of Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula
Migratory in northern parts, year-round… Shallow aquatic habitats Common Raspy display call

Learn to identify the Snowy Egret by ear. Master the "nah-ahh" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“nah-ahh”

What the Snowy Egret sounds like

A small, graceful white heron known for its slender black bill, black legs, and bright yellow feet (looking like it's wearing golden slippers). Adults have pure white plumage with lacy, filamentous plumes on their back, neck, and head during breeding season (these plumes were once highly sought for women's hats). The lore (patch of skin between eyes and bill) is yellow, turning reddish during courtship. Snowy Egrets feed actively, often shuffling or stirring water with those yellow feet to scare up fish and crustaceans. They are more animated feeders than some herons, frequently seen darting after prey in shallow waters. Size is about 2 feet tall, smaller and more delicate than a Great Egret.

“nah-ahh”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Snowy Egrets are not songbirds and don't have a musical song, but at breeding colonies, they give low, raspy rattle or croak-like calls during displays. One such call is a rough, nasal "nah-ahh" or "yaah yaah" sound during courtship. These calls are not melodic at all, more like guttural croaks that go along with their plume displays. Often written as “nah-ahh”.
Don't confuse with:The Great Egret — great egrets are much larger (about 40 inches tall vs 24). great egrets have a long yellow-orange bill and black legs and feet (no yellow feet).

Where you'll hear it

Shallow aquatic habitats. Common in coastal saltmarshes, tidal flats, mangroves, and estuaries. Also frequents freshwater wetlands like marshes, swamps, rice fields, irrigation ditches, and the edges of lakes and rivers. They prefer shallow water where they can wade and see small prey. During breeding, they nest in colonies often in marshes or on mangrove islands or lakes with dense vegetation. In winter, can be found along almost any shallow water bodies in warm regions, including sewage treatment ponds and flooded fields.

Breeding season brings them to nesting colonies (March to July depending on latitude). During this time, adults are adorned with long plumes and perform courtship displays (like head bobbing and plume showing). Colonies are often mixed with other herons, egrets, and ibises. After nesting, many disperse to find good feeding areas; juveniles often wander. By late fall, birds from colder regions head to frost-free areas. In warm Gulf and Pacific coastal regions, they can be present all winter. Come spring, breeding adults develop the red lore and bushy plumes and return to colonies. Their foraging habits can change with season too: in breeding season when raising young, they might stick closer to the colony if food is near, but outside breeding they range widely in wetland habitats daily.

Similar species

Great Egret

Great Egrets are much larger (about 40 inches tall vs 24). Great Egrets have a long yellow-orange bill and black legs AND feet (no yellow feet).

Cattle Egret

Cattle Egrets are shorter and stockier with a thicker, shorter orange bill and yellowish or orange legs.

Snowy Egret sound FAQ

What does a Snowy Egret sound like?
Snowy Egrets are not songbirds and don't have a musical song, but at breeding colonies, they give low, raspy rattle or croak-like calls during displays. One such call is a rough, nasal "nah-ahh" or "yaah yaah" sound during courtship. These calls are not melodic at all, more like guttural croaks that go along with their plume displays. Listen for the "nah-ahh" phrase.
How do I tell a Snowy Egret from a Great Egret by sound?
Great Egret: Great Egrets are much larger (about 40 inches tall vs 24). Great Egrets have a long yellow-orange bill and black legs AND feet (no yellow feet).; Snowy Egrets are smaller with a thin black bill and yellow feet. If seen together, size is obvious; if alone, foot color and bill color are key.; Great Egret also tends to stalk slowly, whereas Snowies are more active feeders..
When is the best time to hear a Snowy Egret?
Breeding season brings them to nesting colonies (March to July depending on latitude). During this time, adults are adorned with long plumes and perform courtship displays (like head bobbing and plume showing). Colonies are often mixed with other herons, egrets, and ibises. After nesting, many disperse to find good feeding areas; juveniles often wander. By late fall, birds from colder regions head to frost-free areas. In warm Gulf and Pacific coastal regions, they can be present all winter. Come spring, breeding adults develop the red lore and bushy plumes and return to colonies. Their foraging habits can change with season too: in breeding season when raising young, they might stick closer to the colony if food is near, but outside breeding they range widely in wetland habitats daily.