FOOD OF WINTERING CATTLE EGRETS Ardea ibis
| Posted: |
10/04/2021 |
| Author(s): |
D. G. Gosper |
Regurgitates and oesophageal contents from five Cattle Egrets Ardea ibis found dead under powerlines near a
winter roost in northern New South Wales were analysed. The major prey components (by number) were orthopteran
insects (42.8%), spiders (22.6%), flies (22.0%) and lepidopterans (7.9%). Both the range of prey, and those types
comprising the major components, were similar to that previously reported taken by breeding Cattle Egrets, although
there were some differences in the relative proportions. Although based on only a small sample the results suggest that
prey eaten by non-breeding birds wintering within the egrets’ breeding range in north-eastern New South Wales is
similar to that consumed in summer.
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