Cattle egret
The cattle egret is a small bird belonging to the heron family, specifically within the genus Bubulcus, and is recognized for its unique behavior of perching on grazing animals like cattle. These birds inhabit a variety of warm lowland environments, including pastures and fields, and can thrive in both wet and dry habitats. Their diet primarily consists of insects, such as grasshoppers, as well as small reptiles and mammals, which they catch by using their long, pointed bills.
Cattle egrets are social creatures, often seen in flocks that can range from a few to tens of thousands of individuals. During the breeding season, their plumage changes to display vibrant colors, with males exhibiting pinkish-yellow feathers while females remain mostly white. They typically breed in colonies, building nests in low trees or bushes, and the incubation period for their eggs lasts about three to four weeks.
Notably, the cattle egret's average lifespan varies by region, with reported maximum lifespans ranging from 11 years in Australia to 23 years in South Africa. Their symbiotic relationship with grazing animals is beneficial for both parties; while egrets find food, cattle may receive some relief from parasites. Overall, the cattle egret showcases fascinating behaviors and adaptations within its ecological niche.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Cattle egret
The cattle egret is a small member of the heron family composed of two species. This bird perches on the backs of cattle or walks alongside them, eating insects the cattle stir from the ground.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Ardeidae
Genus: Bubulcus
Species: Coromandus, Ibis
Egrets inhabit pastures, fields, and other warm lowland habitats. Unlike other herons that always inhabit areas near water, the egrets may live in dry or wet habitats. A flock of egrets is content as long as cattle or other grazing animals are present. They mostly eat grasshoppers but also catch spiders, frogs, snakes, and lizards that move out of the path of the grazing animals' hooves. Small mammals or birds and their young also fall prey to egrets.
The egrets stand on the ground beneath the grazing animals or may perch on their backs to survey activity on the ground. Their long, pointed bills are perfect for stabbing or snatching their prey. Many cattle and other grazers do not mind their companions' perching on their backs, possibly because they eat ticks and other parasitic insects from the animals' skin. Unlike oxpeckers in Africa which feed mainly on insects from the skin of grazing mammals, egrets only eat a small number of these pests.
Cattle egrets measure 18 to 22 inches (46 to 56 centimeters) long and weigh between 9 1/2 and 18 ounces (270 to 512 grams). Their wings measure 34 to 38 inches (88 to 96 centimeters) from tip to tip. Creamy white plumage covers their bodies when they are not breeding. The female generally has whiter plumage than the male, but the male has longer throat feathers. During the breeding season, the male and female grow pinkish-yellow or orange-yellow feathers on their breasts, backs, and the crests on the tops of their heads. Their yellow bills, black legs, and feet become red.
Cattle egrets are social and generally roost in small flocks of up to 20 birds, but flocks of 10,000 are possible. They leave their treetop nests in the morning and find a herd of grazing animals. In the evening, they gather to fly back to their roost, usually near water.
Cattle egrets may breed in colonies. Large colonies may have up to 100 pairs of birds nesting in one tree with several nests on each branch. Males become noisy and aggressive when claiming nesting territories and attracting mates. After mating, a male and female build a nest in a bed of reeds, a low tree, or a bush. Females lay three to four eggs, which the male helps her to incubate. Incubation lasts 22 to 28 days. The young eat regurgitated food from their parents until they can digest fresh food. About three weeks after hatching, the young leave the nest and perch nearby until they can fly 10 days later. When they are six weeks old, they are independent. They can mate when they turn two years old.
Scientists debate the cattle egret's average lifespan, influenced by geographic location. The maximum observed lifespan reported was 23 years in South Africa, 11 years in Australia, and 17 years in North America.
Bibliography
Ivory, Alicia. "Bubulcus Ibis." Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Bubulcus‗ibis. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.
Walker, Niccoy. "Egret." A-Z Animals, 18 Oct. 2022, a-z-animals.com/animals/egret. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.