Egrets

Egrets are a family of similar looking water birds distinguishable by their breeding plumage. Except for the cattle egret which is frequently found amongst cattle, the rest can be found in rivers, lakes and marshy land along with other water birds.

Cattle egrets are pure white birds with a yellow beak. In its breeding plumage, its head, neck and back turn orange buff. They are frequently found in wet marshy places in the company of grazing cattle, seizing insects disturbed by the cattle.

The little egret is similar to the cattle egret in non-breeding plumage, except for its black beak and black and yellow feet. This snow white bird acquires dainty filamentous ornamental feathers on both back and breast during the breeding season. Then they also acquire a long drooping crest of two narrow plumes.

The last picture is that of a cattle egret with its young ones. Notice its breeding plumage. The nest is an untidy twig platform like that of a crow.