DARK-MORPH INDIVIDUALS OF EGRETTA SPP IN ISRAEL

Dark-morph Egretta spp. in the Palearctic region have been reported since 1869. Dark-morph Egretta garzetta are established and breed in Israel. Dark-morph E. gularis breed in southern Sinai and on Tiran Island in the Gulf of Suez, about 500 km away. Accordingly, in Israel, there are two ''types'' of dark-morph individuals that differ morphologically in conformity with the traditional taxonomy of Egretta spp. Review of reported observations indicates that both dark-morph ''types'' appeared in the Palearctic independently, about 100 years apart. It is suggested that E. garzetta dark specimens joined local populations as a result of mixing of migratory Palearctic populations with African resident populations. E. gularis probably appeared as a casual influx of solitary birds from African migratory populations, reinforced by importation of specimens from Asia to Europe since 1980. A reliable genetic study is necessary in order to solve the taxonomic status of Egretta genus. This will help to explain the source of dark-morph Egrets in Israel and set priorities for conservation and management of the widespread Egretta populations.