Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibis
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Pelecaniformes · Ardeidae
About
The western cattle egret is a species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Formerly, most taxonomic authorities lumped this species and the eastern cattle egret together, but the two cattle egrets are now treated as separate species. Despite the similarities in plumage to the egrets of the genus Egretta, it is more closely related to the herons of Ardea. Originally native to parts of Africa, southwest Asia and southern Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the New World in the last century.
Fun Fact
Young birds are known to disperse up to 5,000 km (3,100 mi) from their breeding area.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Native to parts of southern Spain and Portugal, tropical and subtropical Africa and western Asia.
Diet
Feeds on a wide range of prey, particularly insects, especially grasshoppers, crickets, flies (adults and maggots), and moths, as well as spiders, frogs, and earthworms.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance