Scientific Name: Egretta thula

Residency: Year-round in southern and central-western Arizona; summers anywhere in the state.

Diet: Eats fish, shrimp, crabs, amphibians, snakes, and insects.

Predators:  Great Horned Owl, American Crow, and gray rat snake are nest predators. 

Nesting: A platform nest made of sticks and twigs is on the ground, in a tree, or shrub 5-10 ft. off the ground. Eggs: 3-5 per clutch, pale bluish green, 1 brood per year.

Nesting Records:

Notes: Can vibrate bill in water to attract fish. Nests in large colonies of thousands.

Photo: Taken at the Riparian Preserve at the Gilbert Water Ranch on November 19, 2006. For more photos, click on camera icon.

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