The western cattle egret is a species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Formerly, most taxonomic authorities lumped this species and the eastern cattle egret together, but the two cattle egrets are now treated as separate species. 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.
Region
Global tropics and subtropics
Typical Environment
Native to Africa, parts of Europe, and Asia, it now occurs across much of the world in warm regions and some temperate zones. It favors open habitats such as pastures, grasslands, savannas, rice paddies, and the margins of wetlands. Frequently it feeds in agricultural landscapes and urban greenspaces where mowing or grazing exposes prey. Roosts are communal, typically in trees or reedbeds near water, often shared with other herons and egrets.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The western cattle egret often forages alongside livestock, catching insects flushed by grazing animals and even perching on their backs. It expanded its range dramatically over the last century, naturally colonizing the Americas, Australia, and many islands. In breeding season, its otherwise white plumage gains rich buff-orange patches on the head, chest, and back.
Summer plumage, Cyprus
Breeding adult with neck retracted
Range expansion in the Americas (click to magnify)
Flying in Dallas with a twig in its beak for its nest
A flock in a tree at Jacutinga, Minas Gerais state, Brazil
Cattle egret egg
Adult feeding a nestling in Apenheul zoo
A non-breeding adult eating a frog in The Gambia
Juvenile on Maui (note black bill)
Western cattle egrets waiting for scraps at the fish market of Victoria, Seychelles
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
steady, direct flight with neck retracted and short, rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Highly gregarious, often feeding in loose flocks that trail livestock or farm machinery. Nests colonially, frequently in mixed heronries in trees or reedbeds near water. Pairs form seasonally, with courtship displays that include bill clattering and head plumes.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet, emitting harsh croaks and grating calls around colonies. During displays it produces rasping, guttural notes; contact calls in flight are short and rough.
