Reddish Egret
Egretta rufescens
DescriptionThe Reddish Egret forages using a couple of different methods. It actively feeds by flapping its wings and rushing around rapidly through shallow water. Another feeding method is to bring its wings forward, in front of its body, to create a canopy of shade from which prey is more easily spotted. Prey consists of fish, frogs, and crustaceans.
General: Sexes similar. 30 inches in length.
Adult Dark Morph: Bluish-gray body. Rufous head. Rufous neck with shaggy plumes. Long, pointed bill with black tip and pink base. Pale whitish-yellow eye. Dark legs and feet.
Adult White Morph: White body and head. White neck with shaggy plumes. Long, pointed bill with black tip and pink base. Pale whitish-yellow eye. Dark legs and feet.
Juvenile: Brownish-gray head, neck, and body. No shaggy plumes on neck. Long, dark pointed bill. Pale whitish-yellow eye. Dark legs and feet.
Shallow salt or brackish water bays and lagoons.
Nesting3-4 pale blue-green eggs. The eggs have an 25-26? day incubation period. Fledging occurs in 45 days. The nest is made of sticks and placed in a mangrove or low bush, or on the ground.
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