Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens), Southwest Phoenix Valley, Maricopa County

This Reddish Egret was found by Dean and Joan Luehrs and Donna Smith on 20 oct 2018 and photographed by David Pearson on 21 October 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 10 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.

21 October 2018, photo by David Pearson

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