Photo 26. Physical characteristics: A medium-sized white egret. During breeding it develops bright orange or yellow-buff colouring on the head, neck and back. It has a short, thick yellow bill that may become more orange in breeding condition, orange-toned bare skin around the eyes, a body length of about 46–56 centimetres and a wingspan of roughly 88–96 centimetres. Ecological relationship with livestock: The name reflects its frequent association with cattle, buffalo and other grazing animals. As livestock move through grass they disturb insects, which the egret quickly captures. It may also perch on animals and feed on ticks and other parasites living on their skin. Habitat and distribution: It favours open country, plains, farmland and wet margins. In Kurdistan it appears as a migrant or seasonal visitor in some areas. It often nests communally in reedbeds or in trees near water.
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