The Snowy Egret is a graceful and slender white heron that occurs in Arizona mainly around wetlands, marshes, ponds, and riparian corridors. Distinguished by its bright yellow feet, thin black bill, and striking white plumage, this species is often seen wading in shallow water, actively stirring up prey with its feet before quickly darting its bill to catch fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates. Although they breed more commonly in coastal regions, Snowy Egrets do nest in Arizona in scattered colonies, often alongside other herons and egrets, especially in the lower Colorado River valley and near large reservoirs. Their presence in the state is most notable during the warmer months, but many remain year-round in suitable southern habitats. Conservation efforts in the past century have helped their recovery after dramatic declines due to plume hunting, and today the Snowy Egret remains a regular and familiar sight in Arizona’s wetland ecosystems.
