Western Cattle Egret
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Bubulcus ibis
Rare & annual migrant from Iberia with 40-45 per year, infrequently influxes in Southern England & Ireland.
Bred on the Somerset levels.
Also breeds in nearby France, Spain, South East Europe, Netherlands & North America.
In Adults have yellow/orange crown feathers, back, chest & belly.
The yellow bill seperates them from Little Egrets.
In Winter, they loose the orangey/yellow feathers on the belly, chest, head & back.
Juveniles are similar to Adults, but have a duller bill.
The flight is similar to Little Egrets, but still has the yellow bill.
The call is a quiet, throaty rick-rack call at the breeding colony only.