Differences between Egret and Rook
Egret and Rook are two classes of birds that belong to the Ardeidae and Corvidae 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.
Rook is a Eurasian bird that resembles the Crow. It has black plumage with purple sheen in addition to bushy feathers on its thighs. The bill is sharp and slightly curved. The legs are black with three forward and one backward toe. The bird differs from Crow and other members of the family by the white bare skin at the base of its bill. It is however as intelligent as other species of the Corvidae family. It can solve puzzles, plan in advance, build and apply tools, mimic human vocabulary, and display sophisticated behavior. The Rook family consists of two sub-species, namely, the Western Rook and the Eastern Rook.
Where are Egret and Rook 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.
Rooks prefer open grasslands, agricultural fields, and pastures with ample tall trees for breeding. The birds can be found in the fringes of towns and cities. Rooks exist in the UK, Ireland, Iran, northern and central Europe, parts of Asia, and New Zealand.
What do Egret and Rook 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.
Rooks are omnivores. They dig into agricultural fields for insects, larvae, and worms. They also eat beetles, larger insects, mice, small birds, eggs, seeds, grains, carrion, and food waste thrown away by humans.
Here are a few pointers about the eating patterns between Egret and Rook
- Both Egret and Rook eat Fish.
- Both Egret and Rook eat Frogs.
- Both Egret and Rook eat Lizards.
- Both Egret and Rook eat Snakes.
- Both Egret and Rook eat Turtles.
- Both Egret and Rook eat Squirrels.
- Gophers are commonly eaten by Egret, but not by all Rook.
- Baby Ducks are consumed by both Egretand Rook.
- Mice are eaten by both Egret and Rook.
Size of Egret and Rook?
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.. Rooks are 1.4-1.5 feet long. They have a wingspan of three feet.
An adult Egret usually weighs 1.1-3.3 pounds. while The average weight of Rooks is 11.99-18.69 ounces.
Where do Egret and Rook 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.
Rooks build large nests in colonies that are known as rookeries. They are constructed with twigs and lined with mud, moss, leaves, grass, hair, and wool. The nests stand freely on tall trees. Both male and female partners involve themselves in the construction of the nests. In some instances, they use old nests from previous years. The eggs are greenish white and sometimes have dark spots on them. They are about four centimeters long. The mother Rook incubates the eggs for 16-18 days. During this time, she does not leave the nest and gets fed by her partner. After the eggs hatch, both partners take turns to feed the young ones. The chicks fledge when they are four weeks old but continue to secure food from the parents for more time.
How long do Egret and Rook 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.
The average lifespan of Rooks is five to 10 years. However, through bird banding it has been observed that some Rooks live up to 20 years.
Are Egret or Rook 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.
The migration of Rooks depends on their location. The ones living in the southern hemisphere are mostly residents. The birds in the north relocate to the south during winters. They migrate in large flocks along with other species from their family, especially the Jackdaws. They return to their rookeries at the onset of spring. Rooks from northern parts of Europe and Asia migrate to southern Asia, western Europe, and the Middle East for wintering.
Do Egret and Rook 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 Rooks is known as parliament, building, or clamor. Rooks are the most sociable in the Corvidae family. They are always spotted in large groups. They forage in flocks and use various vocalization to communicate. The birds are also known to play amongst themselves. In addition, Rooks sleep in big groups and nest together in large colonies.
Are Egret or Rook 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.
Rooks are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act in the UK. However, they can be killed with a permit to protect crops and livestock, and for the safety of aircrafts. Similar laws exist in other parts of Europe and Asia.
Are Egret or Rook 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 International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified Rooks as species of least concern. The birds are not endangered. They exist in millions in their territorial countries.
Can Egret and Rook 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.
Rooks typically fly in large flocks. They keep their wings stiff during direct flights. They sometimes soar high in the company of Jackdaws. They fly at a speed of 32-45 miles an hour during migration.
Can Egret and Rook 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.
Rooks do not have webbed feet like waterbirds. Their body is not adaptable for swimming.
Mating patterns among Egret and Rook
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.
Rooks generally start mating when they are two years old. The male Rook sets the ground for courtship by bowing to the female, swinging his tail, and crouching his wings. He will also fetch food for her. The female will bow in return, ruffle her wings, and spread out her tail in acceptance. The partners caress each other’s bill and sing while mating. They are likely to be assaulted by other male birds. The female lays three to four eggs every breeding season. She takes the responsibility of incubating the eggs while the male fetches food for her. Once the eggs hatch, the partners feed the young ones during nesting and even for few weeks after fledging.
When is the mating season for Egret and Rook ?
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 Rooks is March-June. The migratory birds return to their territories when spring sets in.
Do Egret and Rook 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.
Rooks are monogamous and generally mate for life. Nevertheless, there may be instances of bigamy. A nest could be used by multiple females.
How do Egret and Rook 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.
Rooks spend the nights in enormous flocks. As the sun sets, a noisy group of birds return to roosting sites. They sleep on branches in woodlands or even settle down in their rookeries. At daybreak, the birds disperse in different directions in search of food.
Can Egret and Rook 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.
Rooks are said to be consumed largely during the second world war. People still consume them in a gravy. The Rook pie recipe is much acclaimed. Although consumption of scavenging birds is not desired, people are not averse to Rook meat. The meat of young Rooks is said to be more delectable than that of adult Rooks.
Can you hunt Egret or Rook?
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.
Shooting young Rooks was a sport in the UK in earlier years. This served the purpose of sport, pest control, and hunting for meat. Rooks are known as agricultural pests. Killing them with with a license is permitted in most parts of the world as they destroy livestock and crops. They also rummage waste bins and cause health hazards to humans.
Can you feed Egret or Rook?
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.
Rooks are not picky eaters. They can be given worms, insects, meat, berries, and fruits.