Cattle Egret
Scientific Name: Bubulcus ibisMaltese Name: Agrett tal-Bhejjem
Family: Bitterns and Herons (Ardeidae)
Occurence: Rare
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Cattle Egret is a small, gregarious egret, far less tied to waterside than the Little Egret. As its name suggest, the Cattle Egret is commonly seen feeding close to large herbivores. Its plumage is completely white except for the adult in breeding plumage which has buff plumes and cap. Its bill is quite short and it is yellow. The Cattle Egret nests in sizeable colonies in trees, often with other egrets, ibises and herons. The Cattle Egret feeds mostly on worms and grubs they find around the animal's droppings.
Status:
Rare, but sightings have been increasing recently. It is now being recorded a handfull of times each year.
When to See:
No actual pattern.
Where to See:
Simar nature Reserve and Ghadira Nature Reserve is where the Cattle Egret is mostly recorded. May be seen flying by from anywhere during migration.
Photographs:
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Cattle Egret, 4th December 2008, Ghadira |
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| Cattle Egret, 23rd November 2007, Ghadira Nature Reserve | 3 of the 4 Cattle Egrets present at Ghadira Nature Reserve on the 16th October 2007 |
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| Cattle Egret, 13th October 2009, Simar Nature Reserve | Cattle Egret, 4th December 2008, Ghadira |
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