White Birds In Arkansas: 9 Beautiful Species To Watch For

White birds always seem to stand out—whether they’re gliding over lakes, gathered in a field, or perched near the water’s edge. In Arkansas, bird lovers can spot several species that are either completely white or have mostly white plumage.

This list walks you through some of the most eye-catching white birds you might encounter across the state, from graceful egrets to giant swans.

Table of Contents

**1. Great Egret (*Ardea alba***)

You can’t miss a Great Egret. It’s tall, elegant, and covered in pure white feathers. With a long neck and sharp yellow bill, this bird is often found wading in shallow waters hunting for fish or frogs.

Where to Spot Them: Lakes, ponds, marshes, and even roadside ditches.
Fun Fact: They nest in large colonies known as rookeries, often with other wading birds.

**2. Snowy Egret (*Egretta thula***)

Smaller than the Great Egret but just as striking, the Snowy Egret is a classy bird with black legs and bright yellow feet—a flashy combo that helps them stir up prey in the water.

Where to Spot Them: Wetlands, estuaries, and shorelines.
Fun Fact: They were once hunted heavily for their feathers, which were used in women’s hats.

**3. Cattle Egret (*Bubulcus ibis***)

This compact egret often hangs around fields, pastures, or even golf courses. Though mostly white, during the breeding season it sports golden plumes on its head, back, and chest.

Where to Spot Them: Near cattle fields or open grassy areas.
Fun Fact: They follow cows and tractors, snapping up bugs that get disturbed.

**4. Rock Pigeon (*Columba livia***)

Most people think of pigeons as gray, but Arkansas is home to some that are almost completely white. These color variations show up in urban areas or where pigeons are often fed by people.

Where to Spot Them: Cities, farms, or anywhere people drop crumbs.
Fun Fact: These birds have been around humans for thousands of years—literally ancient history.

**5. Ring-billed Gull (*Larus delawarensis***)

Though they’re more common near the coast, you’ll often see these gulls in inland Arkansas near lakes and landfills. They have a white head and body, gray wings, and a black ring on their yellow bill.

Where to Spot Them: Large lakes, reservoirs, and parking lots near fast food restaurants.
Fun Fact: They’re expert scavengers and can spot a french fry from yards away.

**6. Snow Goose (*Anser caerulescens***)

Snow Geese migrate in massive flocks, and their arrival in Arkansas is a sight to behold. They’re all white with black wingtips, and their loud honking fills the air as they pass overhead.

Where to Spot Them: Agricultural fields and wetland areas in winter.
Fun Fact: Some Snow Geese have a dark “blue” morph, but the white version is more common in Arkansas.

**7. Ross’s Goose (*Anser rossii***)

Ross’s Geese are like the smaller cousins of Snow Geese. They look very similar, but they’re shorter and have a stubbier bill.

Where to Spot Them: Mixed in with Snow Goose flocks during migration.
Fun Fact: Once rare, their population is now booming thanks to successful conservation.

**8. Trumpeter Swan (*Cygnus buccinator***)

Trumpeter Swans are giants—they’re the largest native bird in North America. They’re all white with long necks and black bills, and their deep trumpet-like calls carry over the water.

Where to Spot Them: Occasionally seen during winter migration in northern Arkansas.
Fun Fact: These birds were once close to extinction but have made a huge comeback.

**9. Tundra Swan (*Cygnus columbianus***)

A bit smaller than the Trumpeter, the Tundra Swan also has a full white body. Unlike Trumpeters, they often have a yellow spot at the base of their bill.

Where to Spot Them: During migration, especially in open water and wetland areas.
Fun Fact: Tundra Swans migrate thousands of miles between their Arctic breeding grounds and southern wintering areas.

Where to See White Birds in Arkansas

Here are some good bird watching spots across the state to find these beauties:

Location	Why Visit
Holla Bend NWR	Winter flocks of geese and swans
Bayou Meto WMA	Rich wetland habitat for egrets and herons
Lake Conway	Common for gulls and winter waterfowl
Delta region fields	Snow Geese and Cattle Egrets in large numbers

Pro Tips for Spotting White Birds

Visit wetlands and lakes in the early morning or late afternoon.
Bring binoculars and wear neutral colors.
Check for large flocks in winter (especially for Snow and Ross’s Geese).
Use birding apps like Merlin Bird ID or eBird to track recent sightings.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re watching a lone egret in a marsh or looking up at a sky filled with Snow Geese, white birds always make birdwatching in Arkansas more magical. Keep your eyes open, camera ready, and you just might spot one of these standout species on your next nature walk.