Species BirdsReddish Egret

Reddish Egret

Egretta rufescens

UncommonBird
Illustration of Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens)

The Reddish Egret is a striking wading bird with a unique reddish-brown plumage and a playful hunting style, often seen dancing in shallow waters to stir up fish. Its two color morphs, white and reddish, make it particularly interesting.

Habitat
Coastal marshes and estuaries.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fish and crustaceans.
How common
Uncommon

Not certain it is a Reddish Egret? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Reddish Egret sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Reddish Egret? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Reddish Egret is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love birds? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More birds

Redhead
Redhead
Aythya americana
Resplendent Quetzal
Resplendent Quetzal
Pharomachrus mocinno
Rhinoceros Auklet
Rhinoceros Auklet
Cerorhinca monocerata
Ridgway's Rail
Ridgway's Rail
Rallus obsoletus
Ring-billed Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Larus delawarensis
Ring-necked Duck
Ring-necked Duck
Aythya collaris
Ring-necked Pheasant
Ring-necked Pheasant
Phasianus colchicus
Ringed Kingfisher
Ringed Kingfisher
Megaceryle torquata