Field Guide to Birds of North America
Cattle Egret
General
Cattle Egret: Medium-sized, stocky egret with white body and pale orange-brown patches on head, neck and back. Eyes, bill and legs are orange. Sexes are similar. Winter adult and juvenile are white and with dull yellow-orange eyes, bill, and legs.
Range and Habitat
Cattle Egret: Breeds throughout much of the U.S.; less dependent on aquatic habitats than other egrets, preferring grassy fields.
Listen to Call
Voice Text
"rick-rack"
Interesting Facts
- The Cattle Egret did not exist outside of Africa until the late 19th century. They likely flew from Africa to South America and since have extended their range through Florida and then further north and west.
- They have been observed along side the runways of airports waiting for airplanes to pass and blow insects out of the grass. They also follow farm equipment to catch insects that are disturbed.
- It has been estimated that Cattle Egrets are able to gather 50% more food and use only two-thirds as much energy when they feed in association with livestock as opposed to feeding alone.
- A group of cattle egrets are collectively known as a "stampede" of egrets.
Author
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Family
Herons and Egrets (Ardeidae)_blue
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Species
Bubulcus ibis
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Length19 - 21
Inches
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Wingspan37
Inches
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Cattle Egret
Cattle Egret: Medium, stocky egret with white body and pale orange-brown patches on head, neck and back. Eyes, bill and legs are orange. This is the only white egret with both a yellow bill and yellow legs. Feeds primarily on insects disturbed by livestock. Direct flight on quick steady wing beats.
● Song: "rick-rack"
● Foraging & Feeding: Cattle Egret: Eats mostly grasshoppers, crickets, spiders, flies, frogs, and moths. Commonly associates with livestock or large wild game, feeding on insects disturbed by grazing; also follows tractors in fields. Forages in small groups or singly, walking in a steady strut, darting forward and stabbing quickly with bill to catch prey.
● Breeding & nesting: Cattle Egret: One to nine pale blue or blue green eggs are laid in a nest made of sticks and vegetation; nests in colonies and sometimes reuses an old nest; often steals materials from neighbors. Eggs are incubated for approximately 24 days by both parents.
● Similar species: Cattle Egret: Great Egret and white phase Great Blue Heron are much larger. Snowy Egret and immature Little Blue Heron have dark or bi-colored bills.
Flight Pattern
Direct flight with rapid wing beats.
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BreedingMonogamous, Colonial
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PopulationNorth American population increasing
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MigrationMigratory
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Weight11.9
Ounces
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