The Western Reef-Heron (Egretta gularis) is a medium-sized heron found across the coasts of tropical West Africa, the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and parts of India and Southeast Asia. This species is particularly interesting due to its polymorphism, meaning it commonly occurs in two distinct colour morph. Dark morph: This is the more prevalent form, with entirely slate-grey plumage; White morph: Less common, this form is entirely white, closely resembling a Little Egret but often distinguishable by its heavier bill and slightly different leg colour; Intermediate morphs: Some individuals display mixed plumage.
Regardless of colour, all Western Reef-Herons have a yellowish or dusky bill that often has a darker tip, and dusky legs. During breeding season, adults develop filamentous plumes on their head, neck, and back.
Their diet consists mainly of fish, crabs, which they hunt using a variety of techniques. They are known for their active foraging, often running along the water's edge, stirring up prey with their feet, or even using their wings to create shade and attract fish.
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