Egretta thula is a widespread wading bird found across the Americas. It inhabits a variety of aquatic environments such as estuaries, marshes, mangroves, lakes, rivers, and tidal flats, often foraging in shallow waters. It has also adapted to human-altered environments and is regularly seen in urbanized wetlands, agricultural ditches, and suburban park lagoons. This species is migratory in northern regions, moving southward in winter, but is sedentary in tropical zones. It is plentiful and globally listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an estimated population exceeding 270,000 individuals and considered stable.

Adult individuals typically measure about 24 inches in length with a wingspan close to 41 inches and weigh around 13 ounces. They are entirely white with long black legs, bright yellow feet, a slender black bill, and yellow skin around the eyes. During the breeding season, long plumes extend from the back and neck. These plumes were once the target of commercial feather hunting in the late 19th century, leading to a decline in population and contributing to early bird conservation efforts in the United States. The species exhibits active foraging behavior, using tactics like foot-stirring, wing-shading, and rapid dashes to startle aquatic prey, which includes small fish, insects, frogs, and crustaceans. It nests colonially, often with other wading birds, in trees or shrubs over or near water, with both sexes sharing nest construction and chick care. Photographed in Florida.