Western Reef Heron - Definition and Overview

The Western Reef Heron , Egretta gularis, is a medium-sized heron. It occurs mainly on the coasts in tropical west Africa, the Red Sea and east to India.

The Western Reef Heron's breeding habitat is coastal wetlands. They nest in colonies, often with other wading birds, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. The normal clutch is two or three eggs.

This bird has two plumage colour forms. There is an all-white morph and a dark grey morph; intermediates also occur. The white morph is similar in general appearance to the Little Egret, but has a thicker bill, duller legs, and a less elegant appearance. The grey morph is unlikely to be confused with any other species within the range of this egret.

These birds stalk their prey in shallow water, often running or shuffling their feet; they may also stand still and wait to ambush prey. They eat fish, crustaceans, and molluscs.