Cattle Egret
Place to admire: Paradise of Birds
Scientific name: Bubulcus ibis
IUCN-status: Least concern
Habitat
The Cattle Egret is found on all continents except Antarctica. This bird species lives in tropical climate, dry climate, temperate climate and in terrestrial climate. In the different continents, the natural habitat consists of (sub-) tropical humid lowland forests, (sub-) tropical seasonal wet and flooded grasslands, inland wetlands with permanent freshwater lakes, inland wetlands with permanent rivers and streams, and man-made areas such as arable lands and pastures.
Appearance
The Cattle Egret has a size of 46 to 56 centimeters. This bird species has a relatively thick neck and stocky appearance. The plumage of the Cattle Egret turns white. During the breeding season, golden feathers appear on the head, neck and back. In a male, the gold-colored feathers are slightly longer than in a female. The beak and legs contain a yellow color.
Diet
The Cattle Egret is an omnivore. However, this species of bird specializes in eating Insects. The Cattle Egret’s diet varies depending on its habitat.
In the wild, the Cattle Egret forages on Insects, Grasshoppers, Crustaceans, Frogs, Mollusks, Fish, Lizards, Spiders, Rats, Snakes, Rodents and small Birds. The Cattle Egret feeds primarily on the first 3 species.
Occasionally, the Cattle Egret eats plant material, such as palm nut pulp.
atural behavior
he main foraging method consists of “Walking Slowly,” or walking slowly on land. The Cattle Egret follows moving native Mammals, Birds and tractors to catch food. This is also called “commensal foraging.” The Mammals, Birds and tractors make movements, prompting the Insects to emerge from the ground.
The Cattle Egret walks slowly beside the animal and observes the prey coming visible through the other animal’s steps. Then the Cattle Egret runs a few steps behind the prey animal, picking it off the ground or catching it in mid-air.
“Commensal foraging” involves 2 or more animals foraging together, where 1 animal has an advantage while the other is not negatively affected.
There is something peculiar about the Cattle Egret’s walking. While walking, the Cattle Egret alternately pulls its head in and out and holds it forward with each step.
Social behavior
The Cattle Egret is a very social bird species. This species of bird feeds in loose flocks. With high food availability, the loose swarm can consist of hundreds and even thousands.
This bird species sleeps with other bird species. In bird terms, sleeping is also called roosting. During the breeding season, the Cattle Egret forms colonies and this bird species breeds in mixed colonies. For example, this bird species breeds with several Herons, Storks, Ibises, Pileated Ducks and Cormorants.
