Cattle Egret Photo Gallery

Breeding adult (Western)

Compact egret that often perches with its thick neck drawn in. Breeding adults have golden feathers on the head, breast, and back. Note short yellow bill and yellow legs.

Breeding adult (Western)

Flock

Forages alongside livestock, eating insects stirred up by the larger animals; sometimes perches on them to eat ticks and other invertebrates.

Breeding adult (Eastern)

Nonbreeding adult (Western)

Smaller and more compact egret with a short yellow bill. Nonbreeding birds are entirely white with black legs.

Nonbreeding adult (Eastern)

Juvenile (Western)

Juveniles are entirely white with black legs and a black bill.

Breeding adult (Western)

Usually flies with its neck tucked in like other herons.

Habitat

Forages in groups in upland areas such as pastures and fields, generally in drier habitats than other species of white herons. Frequently associates with grazing animals.