Request id assistance Little Egret or Western Reef Heron (1 Viewer)

[Earnest lad]

Please may enquire once more: The WRH would be a lifer. I have checked the field guide and it seems good for that species with a modicum of yellow on the bill (unlike Little Egret). However I am confused by the black legs and yellow feet (which I had thought to be peculiar to Little Egret). Any assistance would be appreciated.
The date is 13th December 2023 at a place called Nabq Protected Area, Sharm, Egypt.
28.098924, 34.435039
Many thanks.

 

[Butty]

I'd guess it's a reef heron - if it's in marine waters or adjacent to them? - they're rarely anywhere else. Bill doesn't look stilletoish enough for little egret. I don't think foot colour is a problem.

 

[Earnest lad]

I'd guess it's a reef heron - if it's in marine waters or adjacent to them? - they're rarely anywhere else. Bill doesn't look stilletoish enough for little egret. I don't think foot colour is a problem.

Thank you. It was indeed in marine waters. Thank you for the pointer about the non-stilletoish bill. I see your kind answer is slightly tenatative (no offence) so look forward to additional comments if possible from others to hopefully strengthen the case LOL

 

[Andy Adcock]

Reef Egret for me.

 

[Earnest lad]

Reef Egret for me.

That is most helpful. Thank you. Would you say definite or maybe? I would appreciate any comments about reasons too if possible, but thanks anyway.

 

[THE_FERN]

Please may enquire once more: The WRH would be a lifer. I have checked the field guide and it seems good for that species with a modicum of yellow on the bill (unlike Little Egret). However I am confused by the black legs and yellow feet (which I had thought to be peculiar to Little Egret). Any assistance would be appreciated.
The date is 13th December 2023 at a place called Nabq Protected Area, Sharm, Egypt.
28.098924, 34.435039
Many thanks.

re: feet, from Wikipedia:

"The white morph is similar in general appearance to the little egret, but has a larger yellower bill, extended yellow on thicker legs"

That article discusses whether or not this/ese form/s should be better treated as (a) subspecies of little egret. Based on what they say, the jury's probably out. Certainly an area where more research would help.

 

[Earnest lad]

re: feet, from Wikipedia:

"The white morph is similar in general appearance to the little egret, but has a larger yellower bill, extended yellow on thicker legs"

That article discusses whether or not this/ese form/s should be better treated as (a) subspecies of little egret. Based on what they say, the jury's probably out. Certainly an area where more research would help.

Thank you so much. I must scrutinize the bird carefully and compare with online images. I get the sense the legs are thickset.

 

[Earnest lad]

Thank you so much. I must scrutinize the bird carefully and compare with online images. I get the sense the legs are thickset.

I keep a list using IOC list mainly