Reddish Egret, our rarest egret
These birds have a wide variety of feeding behaviors. Here one stands still with partially spread wings; schools of small fish may instinctively seek shelter in the shaded areas thus created, thereby becoming an easy target for the egret.
They are often very active, running through shallows with head tilted to one side, suddenly changing direction or leaping sideways.
Sometimes they will feed more placidly
This species returned to our area in 1974 after a hiatus of almost 100 years.
Range Map
Both parents feed the young; diet consists of mainly fish
This species, and many others as well, are now threatened by degradation and destruction of its preferred coastal habitat.
There is also a White morph
Ft Desoto, North Beach
Reddish Egrets are either dark or light for life, beginning with the downy stage in the nest. Mated pairs may be of the same or different color morphs and broods of young may include either or both morphs.
Over most of its range, dark birds are more numerous.
And occasionally some unusual feather patterns occur, possibly leucism of some degree (Three Rooker Bar- just off the coast of northern Pinellas county)
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