Black-crowned Night-Herons
Arizona hosts a diverse group of herons and bitterns, particularly around its lakes, rivers, wetlands, and riparian corridors. These long-legged waders are most often seen during spring and summer, with a few species present year-round.
Herons
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) – The largest and most widespread heron in Arizona, found statewide year-round in almost any wetland habitat.
Great Egret (Ardea alba) – A tall, white heron found mainly in the southern and central parts of the state, especially around large reservoirs and marshes.
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) – A smaller white egret with black legs and yellow feet, seen in warmer months in marshes and along streams.
Green Heron (Butorides virescens) – Widespread breeder in riparian zones, ponds, and canals; more common in the southern half of the state
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Common and often seen roosting during the day near water bodies statewide.
Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) – Less common, mostly a summer visitor to southeastern Arizona, especially in the Sky Islands and lowland wetlands.
Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) – A rare visitor, typically recorded in southern Arizona during migration or in summer.
Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) – Very rare in Arizona, with only a few records from the state’s southeastern wetlands.
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) – A rare and local visitor, occasionally recorded near southeastern Arizona’s waterways.
Bitterns
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) – Secretive and well-camouflaged, this marsh dweller is seen primarily during migration and in winter; local breeder in large marshes.
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) – Tiny and elusive, it breeds in dense cattail marshes mainly in southern and central Arizona, including locations like the Tres Rios Wetlands and Cienega de Santa Cruz.
These species contribute to the rich avian diversity of Arizona, especially in the state’s critical wetland habitats, making them favorites among birders and photographers alike.