Temporal variation of Bubulcus ibis L. diet in a semi-arid Mediterranean region in north Algeria

Abstract The Cattle Egret is considered an important auxiliary in agro-ecosystems, known by its dietary plasticity and habitat versatility. In this context, the present study focuses on the temporal variation of Bubulcus ibis preys, through the analysis of excrements of a colony located in the city of Chlef, in Northwest Algeria. To this aim, 10 randomly collected fecal pellets were analyzed each month over a period of 4 years. The results showed a highly variable diet, related on the one hand, to the dietary requirements, according to the predator's growth stage, and, on the other hand, to the availability of prey, depending on their life cycle, seasons, ecological conditions and feeding environments. Among all the identified preys, only insects and especially Coleoptera and Orthoptera were consumed throughout the year at high quantities, with a clear decrease during winter compared to the remaining seasons. Insect's deficiency during winter was overcome by other preys such as small mammals, amphibians, reptiles or mollusks.