Snowy Egret
Egretta thula
Smaller white egret with a black bill and bright yellow feet. “Golden slippers” flash in the marsh.
Quick facts
| Group | Wader / heron |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★★☆ |
| Habitats | Salt marsh, Coastal bays, Assateague National Seashore, Assateague State Park |
| Seasons (this coast) | spring, summer, fall |
How to recognize them
- White plumage, slender black bill, black legs, yellow feet.
- More active hunter than Great Egret—often stirs water with its feet.
Biology notes
- Feeds on small fish and crustaceans in very shallow water.
- Nests in coastal colonies with other waders.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Assateague marsh edges and tidal pools.
- Shallow bay margins and stormwater ponds near Ocean City when fish are trapped on falling tides.
When to look
- Warm-season visitor and breeder; scarce in coldest weeks.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Yellow feet are the giveaway when birds are wading.
