Cattle Egret
The Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a cosmopolitan species of heron (family Ardeidae) found in the tropics, subtropics, and warm-temperate zones. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Bubulcus, although some authorities regard its two subspecies as full species, the western cattle egret and the eastern cattle egret. Despite the similarities in plumage to the egrets of the genus Egretta, it is more closely related to the herons of Ardea. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world in the last century. The cattle egret is a stocky heron with an 88–96 cm (34.5-36in) wingspan it is 46-56 cm (18-22 in) long and weighs 270-512 g (9.5-18 0z).
It has a relatively short, thick neck, a sturdy bill, and a hunched posture. The nonbreeding adult has mainly white plumage, a yellow bill, and greyish-yellow legs. During the breeding season, adults of the nominate western subspecies develop orange-buff plumes on the back, breast, and crown, and the bill, legs, and irises become bright red for a brief period prior to pairing. The sexes are similar, but the male is marginally larger and has slightly longer breeding plumes than the female; juvenile birds lack colored plumes and have a black bill.
Photo Gallery





HJ Ruiz – November 4th, 2023




Now breeding in huge numbers in England…..flock of 28 in Nottinghamshire yesterday evening.
They are abundant, they take care of cattle feces and ticks… Thank you , John! 🙂
A good selection of pictures HJ.
Thank you so much, Tom! 🙂
I adore Cattle Egrets. Maybe we could get a few to follow the bison herd at Fermilab… 🙂
It may be too cold for the Cattle Egret, where you are! 🙂 Thanks, Lisa.