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Bubulcus ibis

Bubulcus ibis

The Bubulcus ibis, also known as the cattle egret, is a white bird often seen near farms and fields. It loves to follow cows and other animals to catch insects that fly up when they walk.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Bubulcus ibis is a small, stocky white heron with a short, thick yellowish bill and yellow legs. During breeding season, it sports beautiful buff-orange plumes on its head, neck, and back, making it stand out from other white egrets.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyArdeidaeGenusBubulcus
Bubulcus ibis
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Bubulcus ibis

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Cattle egrets first appeared in the Americas less than 100 years ago, quickly spreading!

Sometimes, egrets will snatch ticks directly off the backs of their animal companions!

These clever birds often hitch rides on large animals, saving energy while searching for food!

Thousands of cattle egrets can gather nightly in huge communal roosting trees!

Special abilities

Ability

Insect Magnet

Bubulcus ibis can often be found near large grazing animals because they disturb insects, helping the egret find food easily.

Ability

Stamping Hunter

Bubulcus ibis can stamp its feet on the ground to make hidden insects and worms emerge, which helps them catch a meal.

Ability

Feather Fanfare

Bubulcus ibis has unique breeding plumage that turns buff-orange, helping them show off and attract a mate.

Measurements & details

Length
46-56 cm
Wingspan
88-96 cm
Weight
0.27-0.51 kg
Lifespan
7-15 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
2-5
Incubation
23-26 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

These birds mainly eat insects disturbed by grazing animals, but also snack on small vertebrates.

Primary Foods

  • Grasshoppers
  • Crickets
  • Flies
  • Beetles
  • Frogs
  • Lizards

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

symbiotic with

Domestic Cattle

Bos taurus

Eats insects stirred up as cattle graze.

eats

American Grasshopper

Schistocerca americana

Feasts on grasshoppers and other large insects.

eaten by

American Alligator

Alligator mississippiensis

Eggs and chicks can be predated by alligators.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Bubulcus ibis?

46-56 cm

What is Bubulcus ibis's wingspan?

88-96 cm

How much does Bubulcus ibis weigh?

0.27-0.51 kg

How long does Bubulcus ibis live?

7-15 years

How fast can Bubulcus ibis move?

35 km/h

What does Bubulcus ibis eat?

These birds mainly eat insects disturbed by grazing animals, but also snack on small vertebrates.

Where is Bubulcus ibis usually found?

Grasslands

How does Bubulcus ibis hunt?

Foraging

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Where to spot

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