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Beta
Cattle Egret
(Bubulcus ibis) - Worldwide
Photo by
Elsemargriet
Overview
Biology
Lifecycle: Cattle Egrets are known for their foraging behavior, where they walk or run alongside grazing animals, such as cattle and other livestock, to catch insects stirred up by their movement. They build nests in trees and shrubs.
Behavior: They are often seen in agricultural and grassland areas, where they forage for food in close association with mammals. They are social birds and often nest in colonies.
Vocalizations: Cattle Egrets produce a series of vocalizations, including squawks and grunts.
Food
Diet: Cattle Egrets are opportunistic feeders and primarily consume insects, especially grasshoppers, ticks, and other invertebrates. They also eat small vertebrates and occasionally aquatic prey.
Feeding Behavior: They forage by walking or running alongside grazing mammals, where they catch insects and other prey stirred up by the animals' movement. Their foraging behavior is often referred to as "commensal feeding."
The Cattle Egret is a heron species with a global distribution, found in various parts of the world. It is known for its association with grazing mammals and is often seen foraging in close proximity to livestock.
Description
Size: Cattle Egrets are small to medium-sized herons, typically measuring about 46 to 56 cm (18 to 22 inches) in length.
Appearance: They have white plumage with a relatively short, stout bill. During the breeding season, they develop orange or buff plumes on their head, neck, and back
Habitat
Cattle Egrets can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, agricultural fields, and pastures. They are often associated with human-altered landscapes and are commonly seen in areas with livestock.
Nests: They build nests in trees, shrubs, and even in small colonies on the ground, often in close proximity to their foraging areas.
