Reflection of a Reddish Egret

Reddish Egret
Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific... more

by Ruth Jolly

Title

Reflection of a Reddish Egret

Artist

Ruth Jolly

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Reddish Egret
Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Pelecaniformes (disputed)
Family: Ardeidae
Genus: Egretta
Species: E. rufescens
Binomial name
Egretta rufescens
(Gmelin, 1789)
The Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) is a small heron. It is a resident breeder in Central America, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast of the United States, and Mexico. There is post-breeding dispersal well north of the nesting range. In the past, this bird was a victim of the plume trade.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), there are only 1,500 to 2,000 nesting pairs of Reddish Egrets in the United States - and most of these are in Texas They are classified as "threatened" in Texas and receive special protection. The Reddish Egret is considered one of the most active herons and is often seen on the move. It stalks its prey visually in shallow water far more actively than other herons and egrets, frequently running energetically and using the shadow of its wings to reduce glare on the water once it is in position to spear a fish; the result is a fascinating dance. Due to its bold, rapacious yet graceful feeding behavior, author Pete Dunne nicknamed the Reddish Egret "the Tyrannosaurus Rex of the Flats". It eats fish, frogs, crustaceans, and insects. The bird's usual cry is a low, guttural croak. Reddish Egrets' breeding habitat is tropical swamps. It nests in colonies, often with other herons, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. These colonies are usually located on coastal islands. These birds have raucous courtship displays. They generally involve shaking of the head during the greeting ceremony, followed by chases and circle flights. They also involve the raising of the neck, back, and crest feathers, accompanied by bill clacking, similar to the Tricolored Heron. I was lucky to take a photo of this bird at Bolsa Chica state park in Huntington Beach CA. Fine Art America watermark will not appear on purchased artwork.

Uploaded

April 25th, 2013