Cattle EgretCattle Egret -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 20 inches | Wingspan: 36 inches | Seasonality: Summer |
| ID Keys: Stocky build, smaller than other white egrets, yellow bill is shorter than other egrets. | ||
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibis
Cattle Egrets are originally native to Africa and the Mediterranean coasts of western Europe. They began to colonize parts of South America in the 1970's, and were first seen in the United States when breeding populations were established in Florida in the early 1940's. Cattle Egrets have since expanding their range to cover much of the southern U.S., and scattered locations throughout much of the northern U.S. Cattle Egrets are unlike other herons and egrets in that they generally feed in upland areas. They often associating with cattle or other livestock, following the animals (or tractors or other farm equipment) and feeding on any insects that are disturbed. Cattle Egrets are often found in mixed breeding colonies with other egrets and herons.
Habitat: Can be found in nearly any kind of open country. Breeds in trees or large shrubs, sometimes associating with other egrets and herons.
Diet: Primarily insects. Also frogs, crustaceans, earthworms, snakes, eggs and young birds, and fish.
Nesting: June and July.
Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map
Song: Some croaks and grunts, but generally silent.
Migrations: Summers in scattered locations throughout the United States. Winters near Gulf Coast, the southwestern U.S., and points south.
Similar Species: Snowy Egret, Great Egret, immature Little Blue Heron. See Identification Tips for differentiating between these species.
Status: Populations still increasing and expanding in range.
Further Information: 1)
USGS
Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Cattle Egret
2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Cattle Egret"
Photo Information: Out-of-state photo -- June 23rd, 2005 -- Assateague Island, Virginia -- Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Cattle Egret photos.
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
