Cattle Egret – breeding plumage

“Most of the Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis coromundus) in the city are in some stage of breeding plumage.

“About 10% are in prime breeding stage like the bird above – the yellow facial skin has turned purple-pink, the proximal half of the bill become rich orange-red, the iris blood red (peak change), pink legs, orange plumage over head, neck and back.

“Above shows the pink legs; note the skink prey in the beak.

“The remainder were as birds in above and below – orange plumage over head, neck and back but with black legs, yellow iris and orange-yellow beaks.

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
13th May 2017

Location: Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: City, urban environment