Eco-ethological observations on an individual of Egretta gularis within the Nature Reserve of the Isonzo river mouth

Abstract

A single Eastern Reef Heron subject Egretta gularis, dark form, a taxon rarely observed in Italy, can be observed regularly since the year 2003 within the Isonzo River - Mouth Nature Reserve (Gorizia - Italy). Data collected show that the dark plumage is advantageous in the capture of prey in shaded sites and that it is less attractive and threatening in relation to the other white Little Egrets.