The Great Egret is a large, elegant wading bird with all-white plumage, a long yellow bill, and black legs and feet. Commonly found near lakes, rivers, wetlands, and marshes across Arizona, it is especially abundant in riparian and agricultural areas of the southern and central parts of the state. Though not a permanent resident everywhere, the Great Egret is a regular year-round presence in suitable habitats, with some seasonal movement. It breeds locally in Arizona, particularly in large colonies near water in places like the Lower Colorado River Valley and the Gila River corridor. These birds feed primarily on fish, amphibians, and small aquatic animals, which they stalk slowly through shallow water. Once nearly wiped out by the plume trade in the late 1800s, the species has rebounded and is now listed as Least Concern.
