Abstract
Regardless of habitat or time of day, cattle egrets feeding independently of hosts generally occurring larger groups than those feeding in close association with ungulates. The average group size of three individuals feeding in association with hosts stays remarkably constant with regard to divergent situations. Based on the type of habitat and the grazing speed of the host concerned, cattle egrets achieve the highest feeding success (number of prey items) with the least energy inputs (number of paces) in association with cattle, and to a lesser extent with the closely related buffalo. Compared to solitary birds, cattle egrets feeding in groups experience without exceptional higher feeding success. Results of feeding experiments, as well as the exceptional occurrence of so-called feeding lines, confirm the phenomenon that the feeding success of cattle egrets correlates closely with the size of the feeding group.
Highlights
Relationship between group size and feeding success of cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) in the central Free State Regardless of habitat or time of day, cattle egrets feeding independently of hosts generally occur in larger groups than those feeding in close association with ungulates
Vee-reiers wat in groepsverband voed, ondervind sonder uitsondering ’n hoër voedingsukses as enkelinge
Hierteenoor was die gemiddelde groepgrootte (1 – 4 individue) van vee-reiers wat in assosiasie met gashere voed, ongeag habitat of tydsperiode van die dag, merkwaardig konstant
Summary
HENNIE BUTLER is lektor in die Departement Dierkunde en Entomologie aan die Universiteit van die Vrystaat, waar hy sedert 1989 eers as tegnikus en later as vakkundige beampte aangestel is. HENNIE BUTLER is a lecturer in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of the Free State, where he was appointed first as technician in 1989 and later as professional officer. He obtained his M.Sc. degree in zoology in 2004 and is currently working on a doctorate. ORDINO KOK is professor in die Departement Dierkunde en Entomologie aan die Universiteit van die Vrystaat. As houer van ’n Fulbright-studiebeurs behaal hy sy doktorsgraad in Dierkunde in 1971 aan die Universiteit van Texas te Austin. In addition to the above, he has read 60 papers at conferences both here and abroad
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