ExploreBirds

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

The Western Cattle-Egret is a friendly bird that loves to hang out near cows and other animals. They help keep the fields clean by eating bugs and insects, making them great helpers on farms!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Western Cattle-Egret is a small, stocky egret, typically pure white with a short, stout yellow bill and yellow legs. During breeding season, it develops distinctive orange-buff plumes on its head, back, and chest, making it visually unique among white egrets.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyArdeidaeGenusBubulcus
Western Cattle-Egret
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Western Cattle-Egret

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Cattle Egrets often sleep and nest in huge groups, sometimes with thousands of birds!

Its name comes from its clever habit of always hanging out near cattle!

They sometimes eat surprising foods like lizards, frogs, and even small mice!

This bird spread across the world in just 100 years, often flying across oceans!

Special abilities

Ability

Insect Magnet

Western Cattle-Egret can follow large grazing animals, attracting insects that are disturbed by their movement, making hunting easier.

Ability

Color Changer

Western Cattle-Egret has brilliant orange-buff feathers during breeding season, which signals readiness to find a mate.

Ability

Tool Follower

Western Cattle-Egret can forage near farm machinery, catching small creatures revealed by plows and tractors.

Measurements & details

Length
46-56 cm
Wingspan
90-95 cm
Weight
0.27-0.55 kg
Lifespan
5-15 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
21-26 days
Migration Distance
2000 km

Diet & Feeding

This bird mainly eats bugs and small creatures stirred up by big grazing animals.

Primary Foods

  • grasshoppers
  • crickets
  • flies
  • beetles
  • frogs
  • lizards

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

symbiotic with

Domestic Cattle

Bos taurus

Hunts insects stirred up by grazing.

eats

Migratory Locust

Locusta migratoria

A primary food source, caught from open ground.

eaten by

African Rock Python

Python sebae

Eggs and chicks are prey in some regions.

eaten by

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Adults and juveniles can be prey for large raptors.

Traits

Also known as

Cattle Egret

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 Western Cattle-Egret?

46-56 cm

What is Western Cattle-Egret's wingspan?

90-95 cm

How much does Western Cattle-Egret weigh?

0.27-0.55 kg

How long does Western Cattle-Egret live?

5-15 years

How fast can Western Cattle-Egret move?

35 km/h

What does Western Cattle-Egret eat?

This bird mainly eats bugs and small creatures stirred up by big grazing animals.

Where is Western Cattle-Egret usually found?

Wetlands

How does Western Cattle-Egret hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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