Little Egret? (1 Viewer)

[Fali]

I spotted this bird from my window a couple of days ago. It was identical to a Little Egret in all respects, except that instead of the usual bright white colour, it was a very dark grey (almost black), with a small patch of white under the chin. I could not spot any distinguishing features that might point to another species, so was wondering whether this might be a case of melanism or a genetic mutation or disorder. Would appreciate any guidance.

 

[Butty]

Hello.
In order to answer your query it's necessary to know the location. Providing the date is also helpful.

 

[Butty]

If the photo was taken on or very near the coast in India, it's a reef heron.

 

[delia todd]

Hi Fali and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

 

[Fali]

If the photo was taken on or very near the coast in India, it's a reef heron.

Sorry, forgot to mention location was Mumbai coast. I did think it was a Reef Heron to start with, but photos online show birds with yellow legs and / or yellow bill (at least the tip), whereas this bird was all black except for the feet. Many thanks for the ID.

 

[alanc]

If in range, what about Juv White-faced heron

cheers alan

 

[Fali]

The jet black legs and dark grey bill are puzzling nevertheless. I forgot to mention the bird was in a flock of white Little Egrets, commonly seen around Mumbai coastline.

 

[alanc]

Just checked and WFH is not in range so probably not one of those..............

cheers alan

 

[Vyomkesh]

https://birdcount.in/little-reef-egrets/

This article might help. According to me reef egret or little egret dark morph (highly unlikely according to this article), looks like Reef Egret by thicker bill

 

[sicklebill]

I would have thought Western Reef Egret with that white throat like that, but a hybrid might be a possibility also

 

[Butty]

Reef heron has a white throat. Herons' bare-part colours do all sorts of things.
Perfectly normal reef heron - no need to postulate hybridization.