Bubulcus ibis
The Cattle Egret is a compact, white heron with a robust yellow bill and yellowish-black legs. During the breeding season, adults develop buff-colored plumes on their heads, necks, and backs, giving them a golden glow.
Non-breeding adults and juveniles are entirely white. The species shows no significant sexual dimorphism, with males and females appearing nearly identical. Females are usually smaller, however.
Length
46cm to 56cm
Wingspan
88cm to 96cm
Weight
270g to 512g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White
Secondary Colour
Buff
Beak Colour
Yellow Orange
Leg Colour
Yellow Black
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Cattle Egrets inhabit many open habitats, including pastures, wetlands, and agricultural lands. They're found across six continents, with significant populations in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
They're common in the southern United States and parts of Australia and have established populations in the UK. Their distribution can vary seasonally, with some populations undertaking short-distance migrations.
Up to 4,000 meters
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
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Share your thoughtsOur bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Cattle Egret displays considerable agility in its foraging behaviour, adeptly manoeuvring around large animals to catch disturbed insects. Their ability to snatch flies and ticks directly off mammals demonstrates impressive dexterity.
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not exceptionally strong for their size, Cattle Egrets possess enough strength to construct sturdy nests and handle a variety of prey, including small vertebrates like frogs and lizards.
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Cattle Egrets are highly adaptable, having spread to six continents in just over a century. Their ability to thrive in diverse habitats, from wetlands to farmlands, and their opportunistic feeding strategy showcase remarkable adaptability.
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally non-aggressive towards other species, Cattle Egrets are social birds often seen in large flocks. However, they may display some aggression during breeding season or when defending nesting sites.
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Cattle Egrets demonstrate good endurance, capable of consuming up to 50% of their body weight in insects daily. Their ability to undertake short-distance migrations and maintain activity throughout the day in various climates indicates strong endurance.
Cattle Egrets primarily feed on insects, particularly grasshoppers, crickets, and flies. They also consume small vertebrates like frogs, lizards, and even fish.
Their unique foraging behavior of following large animals allows them to catch prey flushed out by their 'hosts' movement, as well as taking flies and ticks directly off the animals’ bodies to the benefit of both.
They will also scavenge for scraps around areas of human occupation.
Cattle Egrets are highly social and often seen in large flocks. They're known for their commensal relationship with large grazing mammals, following them to catch disturbed insects.
These birds are also adept at catching flies and ticks directly off animals, showcasing their opportunistic feeding strategy.
Cattle Egrets typically breed in colonies, often with other heron species. Pair formation begins with elaborate courtship displays, including neck stretching and feather fluffing.
Nests are platform-like structures made of sticks, built in trees or shrubs near water. Females lay 2-5 pale blue eggs, which both parents incubate.
Incubation lasts about 23 days, with chicks fledging after 30-45 days. Parents continue to feed the young for several weeks after they leave the nest.
The Cattle Egret typically lives for 7 to 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 23 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
While the Cattle Egret is listed as Least Concern due to its vast range and increasing population, it faces localized threats from habitat loss and agricultural changes.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetlands and maintaining traditional farming practices that benefit the species.
Buff-backed Heron, Cow Crane, Western Cattle Egret
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Whilst it is recognised generally that there are two sub-species of the cattle egret, split by geographical habitat and plumage characteristics, some ornithologists are of the opinion that the western variety and eastern variety are in fact two separate species. In the main however, it is accepted that both the western and eastern birds fall within the Bubulcus ibis species.
Confusion arises with a third dissident sub-species known as Bubulcus ibis seychellarum, which inhabits the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Whilst the jury is still out, although this latter egret is smaller in stature than the nominate sub-species, the western variety, it is widely recognised as being a member of that sub-species (Bubulcus ibis ibis).
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Bubulcus ibis (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22697109A155477521.
View sourcereport, 2015: Wetlands International
website, 2015: BirdLife International
View sourcewebsite, 2000: Carey and Judge, Longevity Records: Life Spans of Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Fish
View source