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Unread 07-07-2024, 02:08 PM   #21
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Stan Hillis
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There is yet another avian predator that is not a raptor. It's the African Cattle Egret. They moved into Georgia in the 60s, as I recall. They quickly reproduced by the millions. They stay in colonies and fly to roost in late afternoon after foraging all day. They are especially attracted to farm tractors because they stir up grasshopper, other insects and small reptiles, frogs and bird chicks.

They can be ferocious predators. I've seen, more than once while discing overgrown fields, or inverting peanuts in the fall, a circle of these birds about 6-8 feet in diameter and consisting of maybe 10-12 birds, have a big timber rattler encircled and waiting for the chance to kill it. They feed on anything they can swallow. Rats, mice, snakes, quail chicks, and numerous insects are all tableware for them.

I believe strongly they are another reason for the quail decline in the South. I've often seen them kill a quail chick and swallow it whole.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattle_egret
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