Reddish Egret
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| Egretta rufescens (Gmelin, 1789) |
The Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) is a small heron. It is a resident breeder in Central America, the Caribbean and the southern USA in the Gulf states and California. There is post-breeding dispersal to well north of the nesting range.
Reddish Egret's breeding habitat is tropical swamps. It nests in colonies, often with other herons, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. 3-7 bluish-green eggs are laid.
This species is about 65cm long, with a 115cm wingspan. It is a medium-sized, long-legged, long-necked heron with a long pointed pinkish bill with a black tip. The legs and feet are bluish-black. The sexes are similar, but there are two colour morphs. The adult dark morph has a slate blue body and reddish head and neck with shaggy plumes. The adult white morph has completely white body plumage. Young birds have a brown body, head, and neck. During mating, the males plumage stands out in a ruff on its head, neck and back. These egrets have a wide range of squawks and croaks.
Reddish Egret stalks its prey in shallow water far more actively that other herons and egrets. It frequently runs energetically and uses the shadow of its wings as to drive prey before it; the result is a fascinating, graceful dance. It eats fish, frogs, crustaceans, and insects.
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Egretta rufescens. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 05 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
- "National Geographic" Field Guide to the Birds of North America ISBN 0-7922-6877-6
- Bull, John; Farrand, Jr., John (April 1984). The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds, Eastern Region. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0-394-41405-5.
