Differences between Egret and Ibis

Egret Egret
Ibis Ibis

Egret and Ibis are two classes of birds that belong to the Ardeidae and Threskiornithidae families respectively.

Egrets are birds that symbolise purity and strength. They belong to the species of Herons. These birds have white plumage that were used in earlier times for dress and trade. Egrets differ from other species of Herons by their mating displays and the pure white plumes they develop in the breeding season.

Ibis is a wading bird that has been in existence since ages – its fossils date back to over 60 million years. The bird is considered sacred in Egyptian culture. It is a quiet bird with spherical-shaped white body, long red legs, and a red, long, curved bill. Ibis consists of around 26 species of wading birds such as spoonbills.

Where are Egret and Ibis found?

Egrets live close to wetlands, be it fresh or salt. You can find them near seas, rivers, marshes, ponds, and thick forests. They were originally found in Europe, Asia, and Africa but have later spread across the world. As they cannot survive colder weather, they are not distributed in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Ibises are inhabited in all warm locations of the world. They do not exist in South Pacific islands and Antarctica alone. They are generally found near wetlands, like marshes, lagoons, ponds, and lakes at sea level. However, some of them also live in grasslands and forests of mountain regions.

What do Egret and Ibis eat?

Egrets are carnivores that source their feeds generally from water systems. So, their diet mostly includes fish, water insects, frogs, snakes, and crustaceans. However, Egrets sometimes also hunt on land and eat insects, grasshoppers, and rodents.

Ibis is a carnivore. Its natural diet comprises of insects, grasshoppers, spiders, earthworms, crustaceans, beetles, worms, frogs, and small fish. However, the bird can get accustomed to eating anything. It can also consume plant matter, grains, and fruits.

Here are a few pointers about the eating patterns between Egret and Ibis

  • Both Egret and Ibis eat Fish.
  • Both Egret and Ibis eat Frogs.
  • Both Egret and Ibis eat Lizards.
  • Both Egret and Ibis eat Snakes.
  • Both Egret and Ibis eat Turtles.
  • Both Egret and Ibis eat Squirrels.
  • Gophers are commonly eaten by Egret, but not by all Ibis.
  • Baby Ducks are consumed by both Egretand Ibis.
  • Mice are eaten by both Egret and Ibis.

Size of Egret and Ibis?

When it comes to size, Egrets are smaller than Herons. They are a little less than three feet tall and have wings that measure 1.3-1.7 metres.. The average height of an Ibis is 1.8-2.5 feet. Its wingspan measures about 3.18 feet. The critically endangered Giant Ibis stands around 3.2-3.5 feet.

An adult Egret usually weighs 1.1-3.3 pounds. while The male Ibis weighs heavier than the female ones. The average weight of the male is 3.7-5.5 pounds, while that of the female is 3.1-4.2 pounds.

Where do Egret and Ibis nest?

Egrets generally build large and messy nests in their colonies that even consist of birds of other species. The nests are usually constructed on shrubs or lowly trees, typically 10-40 feet from the ground. It is mostly the male egret that establishes the nesting area by creating a nest platform. Both the male and female egrets incubate the eggs for a period of around 24 days.

Ibises generally breed in big colonies, except for some species such as the Black Ibis. The nests are usually built on trees using sticks and leaves. However, in the absence of trees Ibises create their nests in bushes or on grasses on the ground. About two to five eggs are laid by an individual Ibis in a nesting season. The incubation lasts for around 21-23 days. The young ones, which are guarded and fed by both the male and female partners, fledge in 28-35 days.

How long do Egret and Ibis live?

Lifespan of an Egret is up to 15 years in the wild. The younger ones could face high mortality due to climate, migration, predators, and siblicide. The oldest Great Egret lived for almost 23 years in the state of Ohio.

Ibises have an average lifespan of 16-27 years. The oldest living White Ibis was 16 years and four months old. It lived in Florida during 1956-1972.

Are Egret or Ibis migratory birds?

Egrets become residents in warmer locations. However, in regions where they cannot withstand the cold, they tend to migrate after the breeding season. Migration usually happens from Europe to Africa and south Asia and from northern parts of the USA to central and southern America.

Ibis is both a resident and migratory bird. It is migratory in countries like Mangolia, Korea, Japan, and Laos. It has vast breeding colonies in India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The bird has migrated to Australia due to drought and loss of habitat in other regions. Ibis is found in the USA, where it migrates from the north during winter.

Do Egret and Ibis fly in flocks?

A group of Egrets is known by different names, such as colony, siege, skewer, wedge, and congregation. Egrets are sociable and hunt in flocks. But they can also remain isolated. They generally gather during sunsets and roost in colonies.

A flock of Ibises is called congregation, wedge, or stand. Ibis is a convivial bird that travels, sleeps, hunts, and breeds in huge groups that most often also include other species of birds. Ibises especially form large colonies as a breeding season approaches. They also fly in groups through the typical V-formation.

Are Egret or Ibis protected?

Governments across the world have taken measures to protect Egrets under wildlife conservation and migratory bird laws. Egrets are protected in various countries like the USA, UK, China, Taiwan, China, Russia, India, and France.

Ibis is a protected bird across the world. Hunting, shooting, or attempting to kill the bird is an offence. The USA, Australia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, India, and France are some countries that are actively involved in the protection of some of the rarest and endangered species of Ibis.

Are Egret or Ibis endangered?

The population of Egrets dwindled to near extinction in the 19th century owing to devious hunting of the birds for their plumes. However, introduction of protection and conservation laws have helped in resurgence of their population. Egrets can now be commonly found in wetlands and coasts across the world. They are not an endangered species.

The numbers of several Ibis species is on a downfall owing to loss of habitat, hunting, poaching, use of insecticides in agricultural fields, deforestation, and depletion of wet lands. Giant Ibis, Northern Bald Ibis, and Crested Ibis are extinct in several countries and listed as critically endangered in regions where they exist in a tiny population.

Can Egret and Ibis fly?

Egrets start flying when they are six to seven weeks old. They are dynamic flyers with an ability to cover 25 miles in an hour. They tuck their neck in and hold their legs freely in flight. They are capable of flying long distances during migration.

Ibis is known as a wading bird. Two extinct species were not able to fly. However, the existing ones can all fly. Ibises stretch out their neck and legs in flight, while also performing flapping and sailing every now and then. They usually fly in groups by forming a V-shape to reduce wind resistance. The birds can keep up a speed of about 23 miles per hour. It has been observed that some species fly over 1,800 miles during migration. The Ibis chicks will generally be able to fly 28-56 days after birth.

Can Egret and Ibis swim?

Egrets are generally wading birds. They rarely swim to catch their preys. Further, they have non-webbed feet that makes swimming difficult for them.

Ibises rarely swim. They wade through water or occasionally glide by flapping their wings. The birds have been noticed swimming, but they are known to avoid deep waters.

Mating patterns among Egret and Ibis

Egrets acquire heightened beauty during the breeding season – the reason for which bird watchers yearn to catch a glimpse of them during this time. The birds start mating when they are two or three years old. Each breeding season of the year, the male egret selects a nesting area where it builds a nest platform. It then displays its special long white plumes to find a mate for courtship. Egrets generally breed in their colonies and seldom in solitary pairs.

At the onset of breeding season, male Ibises congregate in huge flocks at the colony to attract the females. They engage in several displays, bathing, and even fights. Once the male finds his mate, the partners participate in nest building and caring for the young ones. It is mostly the female that establishes the nesting site and constructs the nest with occasional assistance from the male.

When is the mating season for Egret and Ibis ?

The mating season for Egrets is usually October-December in the southern hemisphere and March-May in the northern hemisphere. They breed only once a year.

The mating season for Ibises is usually after the rains. Sometimes it is the end of winters. It could even be spring or summer in some regions.

Do Egret and Ibis mate for life?

Egrets are monogamous during each breeding season. However, they may not stay with the same partner every year. They are known to have multiple partners in their lifetime.

Ibises are generally monogamous in each breeding season. Some of them even remain with the same partner for many years. At the same time, some males also mate with more than one female in the same breeding season.

How do Egret and Ibis sleep?

Egrets sleep at night while standing on one foot in water to sense vibrations from predators. They keep their heads retracted under a wing. They generally roost in flocks to stay safe from attacks.

Ibises are active during the day. They sleep in colonies in trees during the night – a practice that helps them to protect themselves from predator attacks.

Can Egret and Ibis be eaten?

Egrets used to be eaten in earlier times in some parts of Africa. However, they no longer can be hunted for their meat. It is illegal and will invite hefty fines.

Ibises are considered delectable in some parts of Africa even today. Although the bird is protected everywhere, some people cook it covertly. The practice comes from a tradition of eating wild meat cooked in spices.

Can you hunt Egret or Ibis?

Egrets were hunted ruthlessly until late 19th century for their plumes. This led to their near extinction. Nevertheless, new anti-hunting, conservation, and migratory laws adopted across the world have saved the species. Egrets are widespread and a common sight now.

Ibises were hunted in ancient times for their meat. However, modern strict laws do not allow hunting or shooting of the bird.

Can you feed Egret or Ibis?

Feeding wild animals and birds in public places is not permitted in places like USA, Singapore, and Dubai. In captivity, Egrets can be fed with fish, eggs, insects, earthworms, and meat.

Feeding wild animals and birds in public places is not permitted in places like USA, Singapore, and Dubai. In captivity, Ibises can be fed with insects, little fish, frogs, earthworms, and snails. These birds are not picky eaters – so, you may also give them grains, fruits, and vegetables.