The cattle egret (formerly genus Bubulcus) is a cosmopolitan clade of heron (family Ardeidae) in the genus Ardea found in the tropics, subtropics, and warm-temperate zones.

The short, thick-necked Western Cattle-Egret spends most of its time in fields rather than streams. It forages at the feet of grazing cattle, head bobbing with each step, or rides on their backs to pick at ticks.

Male and female Cattle Egrets are similar in appearance, making it challenging to distinguish between them. However, males are slightly larger with marginally longer breeding plumes. During the breeding season, both sexes develop vibrant breeding plumage, but these changes are more pronounced in males. What Do Cattle Egrets Eat? In their search ...

Male establishes pairing territory (in or near colony) and displays there to attract mate. Displays include stretching neck and raising plumes while swaying from side to side, making short flights with exaggerated deep wingbeats.

The Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a cosmopolitan species of heron named for its association with cattle. 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.

Cattle egrets nest in colonies which also often contain nests of other species of heron and egret. The breeding season begins between March and mid-April. The male brings nesting material to the female and she constructs the nest.

An adult cattle egret is 20 inches in length. Both the male and female have white body feathers. During the breeding season the male has orange-tan feathers on its back, chest and top of the head.

Males and females appear similar but the male tends to be slightly larger. An average cattle egret will be 46-56cm (18.1-22in) long with a weight of 270-520g (9.5-18.3oz). Cattle egrets are carnivorous. They feed on a range of insects, amphibians and small reptiles such as lizards.

During the breeding season, male cattle egrets engage in elaborate courtship displays to attract mates. These displays often involve ritualized behaviors such as shaking twigs and sky-pointing, where the male raises his bill vertically upwards in a conspicuous manner.

The short, thick-necked Western Cattle-Egret spends most of its time in fields rather than streams. It forages at the feet of grazing cattle, head bobbing with each step, or rides on their backs to pick at ticks. This stocky white heron has yellow plumes on its head and neck during breeding season.