i'm i's video: Western Cattle egret Birds of Kerala
@Western Cattle egret | കാലിമുണ്ടി | Birds of Kerala
The Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a distinctive bird known for its association with grazing animals and its striking breeding plumage:
Size and Shape: It is a medium-sized heron, about 46-56 cm (18-22 inches) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 88-96 cm (35-38 inches).
Coloration:
Non-breeding Plumage: Predominantly white with a yellow bill and legs that can range from greenish-black to dark yellow.
Breeding Plumage: Exhibits striking orange-buff plumes on the crown, back, and chest, with the bill and legs turning brighter yellow or red.
Bill: Stout and yellow, slightly shorter and thicker than that of other egrets.
Eyes: Yellow, adding to its sharp appearance.
Life Span
The Cattle Egret has a moderate lifespan, typical for medium-sized wading birds:
Average Lifespan: Approximately 10-15 years in the wild, although some individuals have been known to live longer in favorable conditions. Their lifespan can be affected by factors such as predation, habitat quality, and human activities.
Habitat
The Cattle Egret is highly adaptable and found in a wide range of habitats:
Range: Native to parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, but now widespread across many continents including North and South America, Australia, and parts of the Pacific Islands due to its remarkable ability to colonize new areas.
Preferred Habitats:
Grasslands and Pastures: Commonly found in open grasslands, pastures, and agricultural fields where they are often seen following cattle and other large grazing animals to catch insects and small animals disturbed by their movement.
Wetlands: Also inhabit marshes, swamps, rice paddies, and the edges of lakes and rivers.
Urban Areas: Can adapt to urban environments, especially where there are parks, golf courses, and other open spaces.
Nesting: They nest colonially, often with other heron species, in trees or shrubs near water. Nests are made of sticks and are built in dense colonies, sometimes numbering in the hundreds.
Behavior and Diet
Diet: Primarily insectivorous, feeding on grasshoppers, crickets, flies, and other insects. They also consume frogs, small mammals, and other small animals. Their association with cattle and other large mammals helps them find food easily.
Social Structure: Highly social birds, they often forage in flocks and nest in large colonies. Their social behavior extends to roosting, where they gather in large numbers in communal roosts.
Breeding: Breeding season varies by region but generally occurs during or after the rainy season when food is abundant. They lay 3-5 eggs per clutch, and both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the chicks.
Migration: Some populations are migratory, especially those in temperate regions, moving to warmer areas during the winter. However, many populations are sedentary.
The Cattle Egret's adaptability to various environments and its distinctive relationship with grazing animals make it a unique and interesting species within its wide range. Its striking appearance during the breeding season and its social nature add to its charm and ecological significance.
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i'm i's video: Western Cattle egret Birds of Kerala
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