Egretta rufescens, the reddish egret or garza rojizaa, is a threatened wading bird found along the Texas and Mexican coasts. When feeding, reddish egrets often open their wings so that their shadows reduce glare on the water and allow them to more easily spy their prey: small fish, crustaceans and amphbians. They may also run in circles around schools of fish to "herd" them into tight groups.

In the video below, a reddish egret catches fish at the Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary on the Texas coast. Notice how the bird uses its feet to feel for prey under the water.

Video (1 minute, 30 seconds)

Images on TIDES:
Egrets
Birds on TIDES

Related Links:
Egretta rufescens (Texas Parks & Wildlife)
Reddish egret (National Audubon Society)
Reddish egret (All About Birds)

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Video: Priscilla Coulter, SFASU Library