The Reddish Egret is larger that all the other dark herons, almost as large as a Great Blue Heron. The bill is long and pointed. It is stouter than the Tricolored Heron though. The bill is dark tipped and salmon colored to the base. The bill is pretty thick at the base and flows smoothly into the head, giving it a very flat headed appearance.
The neck and head are reddish colored and it has a lot of plums on the neck and head. These blow about when its feeding making it look very dashing. The body and wings are more bluish in color. The legs are dark blue-gray or greenish.
There is a rare white phase of the Reddish Egret and I have observed it on the UTC. Recognize it by the bill shape and color, and large size (only the Great Egret will be similar in size and color) and habits.
The Reddish Egret is one of my favorite birds and it is very photogenic. They feed so intensly if you sit still you will often be rewarded with several opportunities for great close up shots.
Look for the Reddish Egret at Brazoria NWR, Bolivar Flats Bird Sanctuary, Bryan Beach State Park Galveston State Park, and Rollover Pass
A range map is available from the Christmas Bird Count