The American egret is smaller, totally white with a thinner, sharply pointed bill. A key identifier is that American egrets usually have dark legs, while great blue herons have lighter-colored legs.

Egrets — graceful, long-legged birds with plumage the color of alabaster — add a distinctly exotic element to the diverse winged wildlife of the Tucson valley.

A summer wetland landscape scene is only complete if a great egret is standing on the edge of the water. Its bright white plumage and elegant S-curved neck belie its loud croaking call.