Reddish egret

The reddish egret is a medium-sized heron native to Central America, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast of the United States, and Mexico. These birds were historically hunted for their striking feathers. In the United States, there are only about 1,500 to 2,000 nesting pairs, primarily in Texas, where they are classified as "threatened" and are afforded special protections.

Description:

Reddish egrets measure 68–82 cm in length, with a wingspan of 116–125 cm, and weigh between 364–870 g. They have a distinctive long, pinkish bill with a black tip, and bluish-black legs, and come in two color morphs: dark and white. The dark morph features a slate-blue body with a reddish head, while the white morph is entirely white. Juvenile birds have brown plumage.

Behavior:

These birds are renowned for their energetic hunting techniques, often seen darting about in shallow water to capture their prey. They are among the most active herons, using their wings to shade the water and reduce glare, making it easier to spot fish. Their bold and graceful hunting style has earned them the nickname "the Tyrannosaurus Rex of the Flats." Their diet includes fish, frogs, crustaceans, and insects.

Reproduction:

Reddish egrets breed in tropical swamps, constructing nests in colonies on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs, often alongside other heron species. Their courtship displays involve head shaking, chases, circular flights, and dramatic exhibitions of raising neck, back, and crest feathers while clacking their bills. These courtship behaviors are quite similar to those observed in tricolored herons.