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What is a Cattle Egret?

Eleanor Newman
Eleanor Newman

A cattle egret is a small, white heron that follows herds of cattle to feast on insects the animals attract. The birds originated in Africa, where they enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with wildebeests and other large grazers. Today, cattle egrets can be found around the world, from Maine to Australia to Brazil.

Also known as the buff-backed heron, cattle egrets have yellow bills and orange or black legs and feature brilliant white plumage. They are stocky, short-necked birds. Fully-grown cattle egrets are usually about 20 inches (51 cm) in length. Immature birds have darker legs and bills.

Crickets are a staple of the cattle egret's diet.
Crickets are a staple of the cattle egret's diet.

Cattle egrets let large grazing animals do the work of finding food. Cattle and wildebeests kick up dust, disturbing insects; the animals also attract flies. The birds like to perch on the backs of grazing animals. Dietary staples include grasshoppers, flies, spiders and crickets. They might also eat fish, frogs and mealworms.

The first recorded appearance of a cattle egret in the Western hemisphere was in 1877, where a bird was found in the northeastern region of South America. By 1953, the bird was seen nesting in the US. Due to the cattle egret's adaptability and its ingenious approach to finding food, the birds have spread rapidly in North America. Cattle egrets nest in nearly all 50 states and have been recorded from Newfoundland to Alaska.

Cattle egrets follow herds of cattle to feast on insects the animals attract.
Cattle egrets follow herds of cattle to feast on insects the animals attract.

As they are quite sociable, cattle egrets commonly live in groups of several hundred. A cattle egret colony might nest in a close-knit group of trees, traveling in a flock to the foraging areas each morning. Cattle egrets prefer marshes, but also thrive in fields, wetlands, pastures and areas where livestock are kept.

During breeding season, the male cattle egret develops buff-colored feathers on its head, chest and back. The egrets mark out their territory and choose a female. Female cattle egrets lay between two and six eggs. The mother injects more male hormones into the first-born egrets, which can be quite aggressive and even kill their brothers and sisters. Male and female egrets share the parenting duties.

Cattle egrets are highly adaptable birds. An example of this adaptability can be seen in modern life. Cattle egrets have learned to follow farm tractors: like cattle, these tractors disturb all manner of tasty insects. Colonies of cattle egrets have also been seen near airport runways—the birds feast on clouds of insects kicked up by landing planes. A cattle egret is also adept at sensing smoke from nearby fires, where it can feast on insects fleeing the flames.

The adaptability of cattle egrets also makes them fierce competitors for resources. In Hawaii, cattle egrets have pushed out other wetland birds. The egrets compete for food and prime nesting space and have been known to attack young birds of other species.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cattle Egret and where can it be found?

A Cattle Egret is a small white heron known for its close association with livestock. It can be found across tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate zones worldwide. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, it has successfully colonized North and South America since the late 19th century, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Why are they called Cattle Egrets?

They are called Cattle Egrets because they often follow cattle and other large mammals to feed on insects that are disturbed as the animals move through the grass. This symbiotic relationship benefits both the egrets, who gain easy access to food, and the cattle, which are rid of pests.

What do Cattle Egrets eat?

Cattle Egrets have a varied diet that primarily consists of insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and flies. They also consume other invertebrates, amphibians, and small reptiles. During their association with grazing animals, they snatch up insects and other small creatures that are flushed from the vegetation.

How do Cattle Egrets benefit from associating with livestock?

Cattle Egrets benefit from associating with livestock by capitalizing on the insects and other small animals that are stirred up by the movement of these larger creatures. This foraging strategy is so effective that it has contributed to their rapid expansion across the globe, as noted by bird conservation organizations.

What is the breeding behavior of Cattle Egrets?

Cattle Egrets are colonial nesters, often breeding in mixed colonies with other heron species. They build their nests in trees or shrubs near water bodies. During the breeding season, their plumage displays buff-colored feathers on the head, chest, and back, which is a stark contrast to their usual white feathers, as observed by ornithologists.

Are Cattle Egrets threatened or endangered?

Cattle Egrets are not currently considered threatened or endangered. They are listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to their wide distribution and large, stable population. However, they are still subject to habitat loss and other environmental pressures that could impact their numbers in the future.

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    • Crickets are a staple of the cattle egret's diet.
      By: viter
      Crickets are a staple of the cattle egret's diet.
    • Cattle egrets follow herds of cattle to feast on insects the animals attract.
      By: marco iacobucci
      Cattle egrets follow herds of cattle to feast on insects the animals attract.