Bubulcus ibis.
One of Africa's best known birds, the only white bird seen regularly away from water.
|
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis. One of Africa's best known birds, the only white bird seen regularly away from water. |
| Recognition: Medium large. Plumage appears entirely white at all seasons, though when breeding buff-coloured plumes on crown, back and throat are visible at close range. Bill yellow; legs greenish. The similar Little Egret has black bill and legs. |
| Distribution: Occurs throughout Africa and elsewhere. A regular migrant in West Africa, moving north in the rains to breed, south in the dry season. |
| Habits: Cattle Egrets feed, fly and roost in flocks. They feed on insects disturbed by the feet of grazing cattle. They hardly ever perch on the backs of cattle and do not normally feed on ticks. Flocks, flying in V-formation to their roosts, are a familiar evening sight. Roosting usually occurs in large trees, sometimes in busy towns. The species nests in colonies, sometimes with other herons. In West Africa nesting occurs during the rains after the northerly migration. |
| Call: Mainly silent though occasionally making a harsh croak. When breeding, they chatter incesantly at the nests. |
