Mating is a special behavior. Not only in humans but also in animals. The birds were named scientific Bubulcus ibis (Atjehnese: Kuk / English: Cattle egret), when time mating comes, will also undergo a variety of changes. One of the most prominent is the change of feathers: starting from the fold, then the chest, back and head, everything turns orange. Change was a sign they will mate and breed.
These pictures I took at the time was exploring an ancient settlement, which is perfect has been soaked ocean tides on the northern coast of Sumatra. A decrease in land surface, indeed, found in high levels in the coastal areas. The former ancient settlement that, now, has turned into a mangrove forest.
In one part of the vast mangrove forest zone, it was there, I saw the birds Bubulcus ibis, taking the colony. The birds were in fact very often seen, very easy to find. They often be in fields, near a buffalo or cow. His relationship with humans also looked very good. The farmers were lucky with their presence because it will greatly help repel pests that bother.
At the time of the afternoon, we often see them in the air in groups across our city. They return from the fields located in the south of the city to where they nest in the wetlands of mangrove forests are located in the north, in the area close to the sea. Dusk view looks beautiful even when they fly in groups in formations such as forming the letter V.
The birds nest in mangrove forests, certainly, because the main reason associated with mating. Because, mating in their vocabulary does not only mean copulation. However, a series of behaviors from changes in fur color, inviting couples, couples formation and fertilization, breeding period covering incubate, nurture puppies, feeding puppies and learn to fly (flying) to the post-breeding period: leave the nest and discoloration. These birds, according to a scientist, is included smartest birds.
Well, something exciting us on a trip to a place that is not inhabited by humans, it is natural that continues to make us observe and think. Biodiversity, in fact, and no doubt, is a pleasure.
Reading sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattle_egret
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22697109/0
- https://blh.grobogan.go.id/info-lh/berita/55-daftar-burung-di-indonesia-yang-dilindungi
And others that are not published on the internet.