Egrets James Storm Wetland Wildlife Management

HERONS, IBIS & NEW WORLD VULTURES-Order: Ciconiiformes Herons-Family: ArdeidaeGenera: Ardea Egretta Bubulcus

Egret Evolution The crudeness of the nest, the elliptical form of the egg, and other signs suggest to some scientists that these birds are one of the lower forms on the scale of bird life, not far removed from the reptiles, in terms of eons of time.

Great egret Ardea alba Long, thick yellow bill* Black legs and feet* Entirely white plumage It is the second-largest member of the heron family in America* Second only to the Great Blue Heron

Great Egret ecology Breeding Habitat: Wetland-open water Clutch Size: 3-5 Number of Broods: 1 Diet: Mostly: Aquatic Invertebrates Fish Lesser Quantities of: Reptiles or Amphibians Small Mammals

Great Egret Distrabution Sometimes sighted in the western part of the state.

Snowy egret Egretta thula Thin black bill and yellow facial skin* Black legs with yellow feet* Entirely white plumage

Snowy Egret Ecology Breeding Habitat: Wetland-open water Their nests are typically 5-10 feet above the ground and are made of twigs and sticks Clutch Size: 3-5 Number of Broods: 1 Diet: Mostly: Aquatic Invertebrates Lesser Quantities of: Reptiles or Amphibians Fish Small Mammals

Snowy Egret Distribution Also sometimes Sighted in the Western part of The state

History of the Snowy Egret This species was among the most sought after of all herons and egrets during the days of the “plume trade”. This species was among the most sought after of all herons and egrets during the days of the “plume trade”. Its recurved back plumes were valued at $32 per ounce. Its recurved back plumes were valued at $32 per ounce. Twice the contemporary price of gold Twice the contemporary price of gold The slaughter pushed the bird near the point of extinction The slaughter pushed the bird near the point of extinction

Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis Fairly small* Short, thick pointed bill Tucks neck, rarely extending it Often seen feeding in pastures* or other open habitats away from water

Cattle Egret Ecology Breeding Habitat: Wetland-open water Clutch Size: 2-6 Number of Broods: 1 Diet: Mostly: Insects

Cattle Egret Distribution This species can be found throughout most of Kentucky.

History of the Cattle Egret Often called the Cow Crane, Cow Heron, Cow Bird, Buffed-backed heron, Rhinoceros Egret, Elephant bird, Hippopotamous Egret and Tick Bird. Often called the Cow Crane, Cow Heron, Cow Bird, Buffed-backed heron, Rhinoceros Egret, Elephant bird, Hippopotamous Egret and Tick Bird. Although called Tick Bird, it doesn’t eat ticks. Although called Tick Bird, it doesn’t eat ticks. They eat insects that are disturbed by the grazing behaviors of the birds and there associated grazing mammals. They eat insects that are disturbed by the grazing behaviors of the birds and there associated grazing mammals.

Reddish egret Egretta rufescens Bill fairly long and pointed Pink-based bill with black tip* Dark legs and feet neck with shaggy plumes* Adult-dark morph: Blue-gray body Adult-white morph: White body

Reddish Egret Ecology Breeding Habitat: Wetland-open water Clutch Size: 3-4 Number of Broods: 1? Diet: Mostly: Fish Aquatic Invertebrates Often feeds by flapping wings and running through shallow water. Often feeds by flapping wings and running through shallow water.

Reddish Egret Distribution Unlike the other Egrets Found in North America, it only inhabits the Southern tip of Florida

Egret Management All North American species breed in open water wetlands All North American species breed in open water wetlands They use marshes and lowland forests in the southeastern states and along the Mississippi River. Feeding areas and many breeding sites are directly affected by humans.

Egret Management The cattle egret has expanded its range due to the expansion of pasturelands for cattle The cattle egret has expanded its range due to the expansion of pasturelands for cattle Great egrets and snowy egrets were hit hard during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s due to plume harvests for women’s hats. Great egrets and snowy egrets were hit hard during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s due to plume harvests for women’s hats. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1916 finally gave the birds protection. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1916 finally gave the birds protection.

Egret Management Practices In New Jersey, colony-site restoration has began using Great egret models and recorded colony sounds, in an attempt to lure egrets. In New Jersey, colony-site restoration has began using Great egret models and recorded colony sounds, in an attempt to lure egrets. Protection of important wintering areas in the tropics is also crucial. Protection of important wintering areas in the tropics is also crucial. These area include Cuba, the Great Antilles, the Bahamas, and the Gulf and Pacific coasts of Central America. These area include Cuba, the Great Antilles, the Bahamas, and the Gulf and Pacific coasts of Central America.

Management Effectiveness Since the passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act all Species of Egret have made a dramatic climb in total population. Since the passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act all Species of Egret have made a dramatic climb in total population. This proves they will respond positively to management practices. This proves they will respond positively to management practices.