Hi everyone
We have cattle egrets that hang around the horses, doing what cattle egrets do. Normally quite camera shy and they take off as soon as they see me coming. (Victoria Point, SE Qld)
This morning a flock of them were feeding in the paddock next door, so I thought I'd have a go at getting some pics.
One didn't wander off, just stood and looked at me, so took heaps of photos.
I've done some research, and I think it may be an Intermediate Egret.
Because it didn't show any alarm, one of the other egrets stayed around as well.
So, I think I may have both a Cattle Egret and an Intermediate Egret to show you.
The first I think is a Cattle Egret, shortish neck and slightly hooked bill.
The second I think is an Intermediate Egret, longer neck and straighter longer bill.
Could someone please confirm for me?
Thanks heaps
Chris
I don't think it is a Great Egret like the one in my photo, they are distinguished from other Egrets, particularly the Intermediate, by the long bill and the long neck with "a prodominant kink" (I chose this part. photo, to show the kink in the neck.)
but I'm always happy to be proven wrong
M-L
There was a photo, things aren't working as they should
M-L
There is a photo I can see here M-L - certainly shows the kinky neck.
I've got another one here showing a sort of kinky neck on the bird I think is an Intermediate. It's definitely not a Great Egret IMO - saw one of those while at Goolwa. (I think) This one is nowhere near as big as the one I saw down there.
yes, Intermediate Egret
if you zoom in you can see that the gape does not extend beyond the eye
Peter
Hi,
Your first picture is most certainly a Cattle Egret as the neck is prodominantly short and stocky. If you're interested, some tips for egret identifying:
Cattle - Neck is short and stocky, legs black when non-breeding and golden-yellow when breeding, but bill remains yellow throughout the year. Short bill and stout legs
Little - Bill is always black. Unlike Cattle Egret, legs turn black when breeding but otherwise they are yellow.
Intermediate - There is no real size difference between Int. and Little Egrets. Bill is pinkish when breeding and yellow when non-breeding. Ultimately, when non-breeding, if a your bird is the size of a Little but without a black bill, you know it's an Int. Egret.
Great - Largest egret. Obvious kinks in the neck. Gape extends well past eye. Bill is only black when breeding, legs turn black when breeding.
Your second photo is indeed an Intermediate Egret
ihewman
Brandon (aka ihewman)
Thank you so much everyone for your very informative replies - I'm learning something new every day.
I started a spreadsheet to record the birds I have identified as being resident or visitors to our place.
This one takes the total to 45 so far
Chris