The Cattle Egret

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The Cattle Egret is a stocky little heron measuring 18 to 22 inches in length, with a wingspan of 35 to 38 inches. Their feathers are predominately white, but they develop orange-buff plumes on their back, breast, and crown during breeding season. It has a short thick neck, sturdy yellow bill, and grayish-yellow legs and feet. The bill, legs, and irises turn bright red during breeding season as well. The sexes are similar in appearance with the male being slightly larger. Its breeding plumes are slightly longer as well.

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The Cattle Egret originated in the Old World. They were first sighted in South America in the late 19th century. It is assumed that they flew across from Africa. From there, their range spread northward. They were first spotted in Florida in 1953. They have since spread across the country and are frequently sighted in Canada.

They inhabit wetlands, grassy pastures, and as their name implies, they are often seen at wandering among cattle and livestock.

Breeding usually occurs in colonies. It can be as early as March in warmer climates and as late as May is the cooler climes. Males lay claim to a territory well before mating begins, and then start advertising. The females gather around often jumping on the male's back. Over the next few days, the male will evict all but one female. A new mate is chosen each season or if when re-nesting is necessary due to nest failure.

Nests are built in trees, a platform near the water's edge, or in the reeds along the shore. The nest is an untidy mess constructed by both the male and female. The male will collect most of the sticks and twigs while the female arranges them.

The clutch usually consists of 3 to 4 bluish-white eggs. They are incubated by both the male and female for 21 to 25 days. The newly hatched chicks are covered with down. They have a full complement of feathers within 13 to 21 days. They start climbing out of the nest around 2 weeks but don't fledge for another 2 weeks. They are fully independent within 45 days of hatching.

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The Cattle Egret feeds predominately on insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, flies, and moths. They will also eat spiders, worms and frogs. They frequently follow along behind grazing livestock preferring animals that move at a slow, steady pace of 5 to 15 steps a minute. They will follow along behind farm machinery, but the tractors usually move too fast to allow for efficient foraging.

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Cattle Egrets are generally silent. They will occasionally make a crocking noise, but little else.

The female Cattle Egret will occasionally lay eggs in the nest of Snowy Egrets or Little Blue Herons rather than raise a brood of her own.

It is rare for more than 3 chicks in a brood to survive into adulthood. The fourth and fifth usually die of starvation.

The Cattle Egret often roost together in huge rookeries.

Some Cattle Egrets are migratory. Those in colder climates will migrate to warmer climes for the winter, and those residing in hot, humid areas will migrate to avoid the heat. A large percentage of the population is non-migratory.