Orange coluored Cattle Egret closeup photo (Breeding Plumage)

Orange headed Egrets look better than the plain white egrets, thanks to the touch of orange shade to their body colour. They are found near farms during harvest season, hoping to eat earthworms and insects that exist in uprooted soil.

Managed to click some close up photos of these birds recently.

Update: Arun Bhat and Lakshmi sharath have commented that this is normal cattle egret but in breeding plumage. (I had no idea what it is, had to refer to Wikipedia for answer- it is a result of body reaction/harmones during breeding period)

Orange Egret in flight

It is not easy to get such close up shot. I should thank the field workers for helping me get this advantage. These birds have developed a sense of familiarity with regular field workers and won't fly away when they are close. Otherwise they're quick to detect strangers and ensure safe distance. Because some field workers were around, I could get close without alarming the bird.

Also see: Kingfisher eating an insect * Darter Bird * Birds at Bheemeshwari * Birds at Valparai * Birds near Hoysala Village Resort, Hasan * Nearby: Shettyhalli Holy Rosary Church * Birds of karanji kere, Mysore * Dancing peacocks in Mysore *Birds on a powerline *   Birds at our village- Set 2