The Dimorphic Egret has dark and white plumage forms and breeds in Madagascar and along parts of the East African coast.
Dark and white forms occur within the same regional population, with intermediate plumages also reported.
At Étang du Gol wetland on Réunion, an adult observed there searched for prey by day in dry grass and wet areas, and moved its feet slowly in shallow water.
Dark birds are blackish, often with white on the throat and bend of the wing, sometimes with scattered white feathers. Outside breeding the lores and feet are yellow, while the bill and legs are black.
During courtship the lores and feet turn red, later returning to yellow.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.