Page 409 - Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

CORMORANTS AND PELICANS/EGRETS AND IBISES/WILDFOWL
Family Phalacrocoracidae Species Phalacrocorax pygmeus Family Ardeidae Species Egretta gularis
Pygmy Cormorant Western Reef Egret
A typical cormorant, the Pygmy Cormorant is Like a thick-billed Little Egret (see p.80), the Western
nevertheless stocky, round-headed, short- Reef Egret is typically dark grey with a white chin in
billed, and thick-necked. Close views West Africa, but white with pale grey or dark irregular
reveal a brown head and neck; in winter marks in the Red Sea. Its legs are dull and
the throat is pale and the head less brownish, the bill brown or blackish,
brown.The juvenile is paler below. with a yellower base. It is generally
When perched, or in flight, a rather seen on the coast (but Little Egrets white
long and rounded tail is evident. also frequent rocky shores), and chin
Groups often swim amongst often on piers and quays and
vegetation or perch in associated structures.
overhanging trees or reeds, OCCURRENCE Sinai and Red
sometimes visiting coasts Sea; very rare in
in winter. Morocco.
OCCURRENCE Balkans VOICE Silent.
and Black Sea coasts, on dark grey
body
rivers and deltas.
VOICE Croaks
and grunts at
colonies.
long, rounded
tail
ADULT (SUMMER)
Length 45–55cm (18–22in) Wingspan 75–90cm (30–35in) Length 55–68cm (22–27in) Wingspan 88–112cm (35–44in)

Family Threskiornithidae Species Plegadis falcinellus Family Anatidae Species Anser caerulescens
Glossy Ibis Snow Goose
Extremely slender but round-winged in flight, and Appearing especially brilliant white, even in the
elegant, round-bodied, but long-necked on the company of swans, the Snow Goose has a grey patch
ground, the Glossy Ibis looks almost black unless seen adjacent to bold black wingtips, a thick reddish bill,
closely in good light.Then it shows reflections of and deep pink legs. Some are grey-brown, bluer on
bronze and deep coppery red. Its slim, downcurved the wings, with a white head, sometimes called “blue
bill is distinctive as it wades and probes for food at the geese”. Hybrid Canada x Greylag Geese are much
water’s edge. Flocks tend to fly in wavy lines. bigger but may have a similar pattern, and “farmyard”
OCCURRENCE Rare in S Europe; white geese occasionally fly free.
more in Balkans and Middle East. OCCURRENCE Rare visitor to NW reddish
VOICE Mostly silent. Europe from N America, or escapee. bill
VOICE Soft, rising, cackling notes.
coppery red
and bronze brilliant white
body ADULT
body (juvenile
duller and greyer)
slim, black
curved wingtips
bill

Length 55–65cm (22–26in) Wingspan 88–105cm (35–41in) Length 65–75cm (26–30in) Wingspan 1.33–1.56m (4 1 ⁄4 –5ft)
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