April’s Bird of the Month is the Reddish Egret, and here is the article in the upcoming April 2018 Kite written by Clive and Celecia Pinnock.

April Bird of the Month – Reddish Egret

By Clive & Celecia Pinnock

The Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) is considered to be one of North America’s most uncommon herons. It is most easily recognized within its home range by its hunting habit of frantically scurrying through the shallow lagoons of coastal tidal flats and salt marshes within protected bays and estuaries. This hunting tactic is combined with sudden changes in direction, wing flapping, and occasional leaps into the air as it chases its primary quarry of small fish (minnows, mullets, and killifish). Its varied diet also includes frogs, tadpoles, crustaceans, and aquatic insects.

These long-legged, long-necked waders measure about 30” in length and have a wingspan of 46”. They have a long straight heavy bill, a rufous head and shaggy rufous neck feathers. There are two color morphs: the more common dark morph (slate and reddish brown) and the scarcer white morph. Unlike for the Little Blue Heron, these colors are not age related. The birds are dark or light for life after the initial downy nestling stage. During the breeding season the bill color in adult birds is bicolored with pink at the base extending halfway to the tip and the remainder black; in nonbreeding and juvenile birds, the bill is totally dusky colored.

The species range includes the Gulf Coast of the United States, Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. A considerable portion of the population is said to be reclaiming its historic breeding range in Florida. The birds were severely impacted by the plume trade of the 1800s, but, since the enactment of protection laws, they have begun to regain their resident status in many areas. Some colonies are still being threatened, however, by disturbance from boaters and, to a greater extent, by the development of coastal areas, which contributes to the reduction of foraging areas, especially in Florida.

Photographers – please note that next month’s May bird of the month is the GREAT BLUE HERON.

Please check out the picture by Paul Thomas in the April KITE cover and to see the slide show of the entire virtual gallery this month, along with photographer etc  — click on BOM SLIDE SHOW below the pictures displayed here:

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BOM SLIDE SHOW – April 2018 Bird of the Month – Reddish Egret