An Analysis of the Adaptability of the Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) to the Coastal Environments of the of the United States and Chile
| Title | An Analysis of the Adaptability of the Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) to the Coastal Environments of the of the United States and Chile |
| Publication Type | Thesis |
| Year of Publication | 1998 |
| Authors | Schnitzius, Jennifer Marie |
| Academic Department | Zoology College of Science |
| Thesis Advisor | Yamada, Dr. Sylvia B. |
| Degree | Bachelor of Arts in International Studies in Zoology |
| Number of Pages | 27 |
| Date Published | 06/1998 |
| University | Oregon State University |
| City | Corvallis |
| Thesis Type | Undergraduate |
| Keywords | adaptability, Chile, egret, intertidal |
| Abstract | The Behavior and ecology of the snowy egret (Egretta thula) were studied in the intertidal zone of Chile at la Estación Costera de Investigaciones Marinas in Las Cruces, Chile. The snowy egret is the common member of mixed-species heronries among colonial waterbirds and has displayed an adaptability to many habitats and varying ecological situations. Few studies have focused on analyzing the natural history and ecological characteristics of Egretta thula which enable it to flourish in diverse coastal habitats. The purpose of this study was to observe these factors in individuals and to analyze how those factors make the snowy egret such an adaptable species. Observations found that Egretta thula ate a wide variety of prey; participate in foraging groups of varying species composition and number; nested in mixed-species aggregations; and tolerated a relatively high degree of human disturbance. |
