Purple Gallinule – ForagingPorphyrio martinica February – Texas L=13” ...... WS=22”...... WT=8 oz......m>f Order: Gruiformes (Rails, Cranes, and Allies) Family: Rallifae (Rails, Gallinules and Coots) The Purple Gallinule is a striking and exotically colored bird. It has three very long front toes and an exceptionally long hind toe which enable it to walk on floating vegetation to forage for food. The name “gallinule” derives from the Latin “gallina” meaning “little hen”. Purple Gallinules have proven to adapt well when their habitats have been modified. For example, they thrive in rice fields and eat invasive plant species such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata).
Cattle Egret – Male in breeding plumage fleeingBubulcus ibis April – Texas L=20” ...... WS=36” ....... WT= 12 oz Order: Ciconiiformes (Herons, Ibises, Storks, New World Vultures, Allies) Family:Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, Bitterns) Cattle Egrets are unique among North American herons, bitterns and egrets in that they commonly forage alongside grazing cattle or behind farm equipment, both of which stir up insects. They are frequently seen standing on the backs of the grazing animals, which display little hostility to the egrets.
Cattle Egret – Male in breeding plumage foragingBubulcus ibis April – Texas L=20” ...... WS=36” ....... WT= 12 oz Order: Ciconiiformes (Herons, Ibises, Storks, New World Vultures, Allies) Family: Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, Bitterns)
