In the United States, the range of the snowy egret extends throughout the continental United States from northern California to Maine, and south to Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and much of South America. Egretta thula is a medium sized egret which grows to approximately 20 - 24 inches, with a wingspan of 38 inches. Snowy egrets seldom initiate monospecific colonies, preferring to nest in mixed colonies beginning in mid-March in the southern United States. Eggs are incubated for 20 - 24 days prior to hatching. As a result, nestmates have varied growth rates, with the first chick growing the fastest.
Snowy egrets are eurythermal .
Snowy egrets on the west coast of the U.S. overwinter from California southward, while those on the east coast spend the winter from Virginia south to the gulf of Mexico. However, they can be cold sensitive, especially while nesting. E. thula is a highly gregarious species, which breeds and feeds in mixed colonies. Strong et al. When preferred prey become scarce due to some environmental or other change, snowy egrets respond by altering their foraging habitat and feeding tactics in order to continue to encounter preferred prey items.