Reddish egret Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Reddish egret

Conservation status
Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Egretta
Species:	rufescens

The reddish egret (Egretta rufescens) is a cool, medium-sized heron. These birds live in places like Central America, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast of the United States, and Mexico. After breeding season, they sometimes fly even further north!

Long ago, people hunted these beautiful birds for their feathers. This was part of something called the plume trade. Today, the reddish egret is much safer.

In the United States, most reddish egrets live in Texas. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says there are only about 1,500 to 2,000 nesting pairs here. Because of their small numbers, they are protected as a "threatened" species in Texas.

What Does a Reddish Egret Look Like?
How Do Reddish Egrets Behave?
Reddish Egret Life Cycle and Reproduction
Images for kids
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What Does a Reddish Egret Look Like?

Adult white morph

Reddish egrets are pretty big birds. They can be about 68 to 82 centimeters (27 to 32 inches) long. Their wings can spread out to 116 to 125 centimeters (46 to 49 inches) wide! They usually weigh between 364 and 870 grams (about 0.8 to 1.9 pounds).

These herons have long legs and long necks. Their bill is pinkish with a black tip. Their legs and feet are a bluish-black color. Reddish egrets are bigger than most other egrets, but smaller than the great blue heron or great egret.

There are two main color types, called morphs. One is the dark morph. It has a slate blue body and a reddish head and neck. The other is the white morph, which is completely white. Young reddish egrets are usually brown. When it's time to find a mate, the male's feathers on its head, neck, and back get extra fluffy!

How Do Reddish Egrets Behave?

The reddish egret is known for being a very active bird. You'll often see it moving around a lot. It hunts for food in shallow water. It runs and moves much more than other herons.

Sometimes, it uses its wings to create a shadow over the water. This helps it see fish better by reducing the glare. Watching them hunt is like watching a fascinating dance! They eat fish, frogs, crustaceans (like crabs), and insects. When they make a sound, it's usually a low, rough croak.

Reddish Egret Life Cycle and Reproduction

Reddish egrets build their nests in tropical swamps. They like to nest in groups, called colonies. Often, other types of herons will nest nearby too. They usually build their nests on platforms of sticks in trees or bushes. These nesting spots are often found on islands along the coast.

When it's time to find a mate, reddish egrets have loud and exciting courtship dances. They shake their heads when they greet each other. Then, they might chase each other or fly in circles. They also raise their neck, back, and crest feathers. They even clack their bills together, just like the tricolored heron.