THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
CATTLE EGRET - Bubulcus ibis
As with all reports of rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective rarities committees
Cattle Egret is the only member of the genus Bubulcus. It is of Old World origins, has been a very successful coloniser and is now found in the warmer parts of every continent except Antarctica. Most are permanent residents apart from some post-breeding dispersal, which has presumably led to its range expansion. The first record for Britain was an immature female, shot at South Allington near Kingsbridge in Devon during late October 1805. Prior to being shot it had been present for several days typically feeding among cows where it characteristically fed on insects.
There's been one Cattle Egret reported from S. Gloucestershire, in;
1993: (1)
On April 24th a summer adult was found near Littleton-on-Severn Brick Pits. It was present for just four days and was last seen on April 27th. This occurrence constitutes the first record of this species for S. Gloucestershire and represents the 73rd British record.
Cattle Egret at Littleton-on-Severn. April 1993.
© Unknown.