north. Similar expansions were noted at Shakshuk (Fayoum) and Suez. 
Furthermore, three new large colonies, containing over 5,000 nests, were 
discovered in the summer of 1992 northeast of Bilbeis. Cattle Egrets were 
also noted as far north as Mansoura, in the northern Delta, where they 
have been absent during the last two decades. 
Little Egret Egretta garzetta 
Considerable numbers of Little Egrets were seen in the west of Lake 
Manzala during the summer of 1992. No breeding evidence was found, 
but they appeared to be resident in the area, probably breeding in 
association with Squacco Herons in the large reed swamps. Furthermore, 
at least five nests were found containing half-grown chicks to the 
northeast of Bilbeis, where the birds were nesting in association with 
Cattle Egrets. This is the first verified breeding of the species in the Delta 
since at least the 1950s. 
New breeding colonies in the vicinity of Bilbeis 
The new colonies were first noted by Mr John Tidy, in June 1992. The 
colonies are about 15 km northeast of Bilbeis and include three major 
colonies and several smaller 'sub colonies'. They are all in Typha reed 
swamps. These are the most diverse colonies known from Egypt, 
including nests of all species 
mentioned above (except for Green 
Heron), and very possibly a small 
breeding population of Glossy 
Ibises Plegadis falcinellus. Some 
Ibises were seen around one of the 
colonies throughout most of the 
summer (see details for other 
species above). The landscape of 
the area is dominated by rice fields 
(in the summer) and fish farms. 
Both of these contained many 
amphibians, particularly the frog 
Ptychadena mascareniensis and the 
newly described toad Bufo kassasii. 
The age of these colonies, which 
are the largest of their kind known 
in the Delta, is unknown; but they 
are certainly a recent response to 
improved environmental 
conditions and perhaps a more 
abundant food supply. 
14 
