DISTRIBUTION:

The Western Reef-Heron (Egretta gularis) is natural to Europe, Africa and Asia. To the west its distribution reaches the Azores Islands and to the east it extends to India. It is also present in most of the African continent and the coast of Madagascar. Some have reached the coast of North America.

HABITAT:

Usually found on the water edge of brackish water lakes and the sea. Shows preference for the estuaries.

BEHAVIOR:

Normally seen alone or in pairs.

REPRODUCTION:

Nesting is done in colonies. The clutch is two to four greenish blue eggs. Incubation takes about 25 days and it is done by both parents. The youngsters leave the nest when they are about 30 days old.

FOOD:

The diet consists of fish, crustaceans and mollusks.

DESCRIPTION:

In length it reaches about 56 cm.

OTHER NAMES:

The Western Reef-Heron in Spanish is called “Garceta Costera Occidental”.