Geography/Habitat:

The Reddish Egret, (Egretta rufescens), was first described by Joseph Frederick Gmelin, a German naturalist in 1789 in Louisiana. Note, it is sometimes placed in its own monotypic genus Dicromanassa. The Reddish Egret was formerly considered two species due to two distinct morphs; dark and all white. It was considered monotypic until recently but DNA has revealed a distinct subspecies in West Mexico.

The Reddish Egret has a relatively small range restricted to coastal Southern US, Northern Mexico, Cuba, and the West Indies. It is found on both Pacific and Atlantic coasts.

Their preferred habitat includes shallow coastal waters and marine mud flats. Reddish Egrets are rarely found inland.

Breeding season is very long from November to July and year-round in some places, but the peak is March to May. A simple stick nest is made in low bushes or on the ground except in mangroves where the nests tend to be much higher. 3-4 eggs are laid and incubated for 26-27 days with the fledglings being fed for a further 45-50 days. Note the chicks down color is dependent on the morph of the parents.

Identification

Reddish Egrets have 2 very distinct morphs. The pure white morph is distinguished by being significantly larger than the other white egrets and by the pinkish bare skin color with a 2-tone bill and shaggy crest also being diagnostic. The dark morph is blue gray on both upper and un-derparts with purple neck and head. Note its “drunken sailor” behavior is very distinctive when feeding.

Reddish Egrets are typically silent but occasionally make a low groan or grunt.

Interesting Facts

• Reddish Egrets were originally described as 2 species due to the strong dimorphism.

• They are very uncommon, (less than 5000 birds), being extensively hunted for its feathers for hats in the 1900s. Note less than 2000 birds in the US but can be locally common in the Gulf of Mexico. Today habitat loss is a more modern threat and numbers are decreasing.

• A group of egrets is known as a congregation, a heronry, an RSVP, a skewer, or a wedge.