Nefla, A., Tlili, W., Ouni, R. & Nouira, S. 2014. Place des insectes dans les régimes alimentaires de trois Ardéidés en Tunisie septentrionale. Alauda 82 (3): 221-232. PDF
Abstract:
Insects in the diet of three Ardeidae species in Tunisia.
Analysis of 594 pellets of three heron species (Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis and Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides) collected at colonies in northern Tunisia (Ichkeul National Park, Lebna Dam and Chikli Island). Cattle Egrets consumed preferably insects (most important group in number and biomass), vertebrates did not exceed 1 % and 2 % (in number) and 4 % and 9 % (in biomass) respectively at Ichkeul and Lebna. The diet consisted in Coleoptera, Orthoptera (Caelifera, Gryllidae, Gryllotalapidae) and Hymenoptera (ants). Squacco heron nestlings were fed with annelids, crustaceans and mainly insects (62 % in number and 77 % in biomass) which included larvas of Odonata, Orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets), Dermaptera (Forficula), Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. The diet of Little Egret consisted mainly in insects (76 % at Ichkeul, 98 % at Chikli). However the percentages of fish did not exceed 10 % and 2 % at both sites respectively.
Related articles:
Mohammedi, A. & Doumandji, S. 2013. Le statut des proies du Héron garde-bœufs (Bubulcus ibis L.) dans la région de Chlef (Algérie). Revue d’écologie 68: 283-289.
Nefla, A., Tlili, W., Ouni, R., & Nouira, S. 2014. Breeding Biology of Squacco Herons (Ardeola ralloides) in Northern Tunisia. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 126 (2): 393–401.
Ouni, R., Nefla, A., El Hili, A., & Nouira, S. 2011. Les populations d’Ardéidés nicheurs en Tunisie. Alauda 79 (2): 157–166. (PDF)
North African Birds 