Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens), Paloma Ranch, Maricopa County

This Reddish Egret was found by Caleb Strand on 03 September 2018 and photographed by Ken Murphy on 16 September 2018

Casual summer/fall visitor in Arizona. Nearly all records pertain to juveniles and are likely from nesting areas along the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) in Mexico. This has been a good year for the species in Arizona with at least 8 documented.

A medium-sized heron, larger than Snowy Egret but much smaller than Great Blue Heron. Juveniles have an overall odd, creamy dark gray coloration with patchy pale rusty tones to head, neck, breast and wings; dark legs and dark, long straight bill; contrasting pale eyes.

16 September 2018, photo by Ken Murphy

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