Egrets are tall, graceful birds that belong to the heron family. They are known for their long legs, long necks, and mostly white feathers. You can find many different types of egrets around the world. The Great Egret is one of the largest and has a yellow beak with black legs. The Snowy Egret is smaller and has black legs with bright yellow feet. Cattle Egrets are often seen in fields following cows or horses as they catch insects stirred up by the animals. Reddish Egrets are unique because they have a pinkish neck and are famous for their “dancing” while they hunt. Another type, called the Slaty Egret, is darker and found in parts of Africa.
Habitat: Egrets live in places where there’s water, such as swamps, lakes, marshes, rivers, or coastal beaches. They also make their homes in trees near water, especially when it’s time to build nests. Some even visit farmlands or city parks if there are wet areas or canals nearby.
Diet: These birds are carnivores, which means they eat meat. They usually hunt in shallow water and eat small fish, frogs, shrimp, crabs, and insects. Some egrets will also eat small snakes or mice. They use their sharp beaks to catch their food, either by standing very still or walking slowly to sneak up on prey. Some species, like the Reddish Egret, are very active and use clever hunting moves like spreading their wings to create shade and attract fish.
Life Span: Egrets lay their eggs in nests made of sticks, usually in colonies with many other birds. A mother egret lays about two to five eggs, and both parents help care for them. The eggs hatch in about three to four weeks. The baby egrets stay in the nest for five to seven weeks before they are ready to fly. In the wild, egrets can live for ten to fifteen years.
Special notes or Behavior: One interesting thing about egrets is their behavior. During spring, they grow special feathers to attract mates, and they often build their nests in large groups called rookeries. Although they usually raise several chicks, sometimes the stronger babies will compete for food, and only the strongest survive. They also adapt well to different places and can hunt in both wild wetlands and human-altered areas. Another cool fact is that when they fly, they tuck their necks in, making an S shape — different from cranes, which fly with their necks stretched straight out.Click the link below to download and print this coloring page!
