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Cattle Egret

Bubulcus ibis ORDER: PELECANIFORMES FAMILY: ARDEIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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A small white heron of pastures and roadsides, the Cattle Egret is more at home foraging in grass than in water. It follows cattle, horses, and tractors to catch the insects they stir up.

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Appearance

Herons
Herons
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized all-white heron.
  • Sturdy yellow bill.
  • Dark legs and feet.
  • Swollen throat.
  • Rather short, thick neck for a heron.

Immature Description

Immature entirely white without plumes. Bill starts out dark and gradually becomes yellow.

Range Map Help

Cattle Egret Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult breeding
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    Cattle Egret

    Adult breeding
    • © Lee Kuhn / CLO

Similar Species

  • Snowy Egret is slimmer, has black bill, and yellow feet.
  • The white juvenile of the Little Blue Heron has greenish legs, and a dark bill with a bluish base.
  • Great Egret also has dark legs and a yellow bill, but is much taller and longer necked.