55 Fun Facts About Cattle Egrets: Where Tales Begin!

Prepare to be amazed by the fascinating world of cattle egrets! These elegant birds, known for their unique behavior and adaptability, have a wealth of intriguing secrets to uncover.

In this captivating journey, we’ll dive deep into the lives of these feathered wonders as we present 55 fun facts about cattle egrets.

From their global distribution to their remarkable nesting habits, you’re about to embark on an adventure that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for these remarkable avian companions.”

Cattle Egret (Overview)

Fun Facts About Cattle Egrets

• They are found throughout Africa, South America, North America and Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

• Cattle egrets are usually seen inhabiting wetlands or near bodies of water.

• They often follow cows or other large animals to feed on insects, and parasites disturbed by them.

• Cattle egrets typically nest in colonies around large trees or shrubs near water sources, often with other wading birds such as American white pelicans, great blue herons, gray herons, little blue herons, spoonbills and sometimes Florida scrub jays or American crows.  

• Cattle egrets are somewhat migratory, but more of a year-round resident than other herons.  The population is strongly tied to water bodies, meaning more of them can find food within their home territory.

• The males and females look alike, but the males tend to be larger than the females.

• The cattle egret is one of the very few birds that feeds on terrestrial (land) insects; it also eats worms, frogs, lizards and small mammals.

• The cattle egret was first described by Swedish taxonomist, Carl Linnaeus in 1758.

• Once thought to be an example of convergent evolution with no vocalizations, there are recorded cases of cattle egrets communicating with each other via clicks.  The clicks are produced when hunting for prey or defending their territory against trespassers.

• The wings of the cattle egret are long and narrow, and it has a relatively long neck.

• In flight, their necks are often tucked in, making them look shorter.

• Cattle egrets have a light rust-colored plume patch on the hindneck, which can be used to ruffle up their feathers for distraction display when defending nests from potential predators.  In some cases the tip of this patch may be hidden from view when kept flat against the neck during normal preening activities, but will be raised if needed.

• Commonly seen often near North American cattle pastures. 

• Both sexes help with nest building. Nests are made shallow, into a bowl shape, comprised of twigs, sticks, vines, and blades of grass.

• After about 28 days of incubation, they hatch and are fed by both parents with bugs, frogs, snakes, mice etc. They leave the nest after 10–15 days, and can fly after 25 days.

• Cattle Egrets are very social animals that live in clusters called colonies. They are usually not found individually, although individuals can be seen wandering around smaller groups of one to five birds.

• Cattle egrets are long-lived birds, with a mean life expectancy of 17 years in the wild and 23 years in captivity.

• The majority of Cattle Egrets do not migrate; they remain year-round in the same general area, unless there is bad weather or food shortages.

• The cows are not afraid of the herons because they do not harm them.

• Cattle egrets are seasonally monogamous breeders; and do not form long-term pair bonds with one another.

• They mate only once every year, staying together only until nesting season has finished.

• Cattle egrets usually feed by standing still in shallow water or tall grass while waiting for prey to come within reach.

• Occasionally, they may move slowly through vegetation while probing with their bill.

• Cattle Egrets are known for their habit to eat ticks from cattle and other livestock. The insects they consume from cattle will often carry diseases such as Lyme disease, which they transfer to other animals and humans through their droppings, feathers and feet.

• Cattle Egrets spread from their native country in Africa, to South America in 1877, and arrived in the United States in 1941.

• Cattle egrets are excellent flyers, and they are known to travel great distances during their seasonal migrations, often covering thousands of miles.

• While they primarily follow large mammals for food, cattle egrets are opportunistic feeders and will also catch insects in flight, such as butterflies and moths.

• These birds are skilled at adapting to changing environments and have been observed nesting in non-traditional habitats, including on man-made structures like cell towers and power poles.

• Cattle egrets have a diverse diet that can include a wide range of invertebrates, making them versatile and adaptable predators.

• The cattle egret’s call is a series of harsh, guttural croaks, which they use for communication within their colonies.

• They are known to engage in mutualistic relationships with herbivores, as they not only feed on insects disturbed by grazing animals but also act as “tickbirds” by removing ticks and other parasites from the bodies of large mammals.

• In some regions, they are considered sacred birds and are protected by local beliefs and customs.

• These birds are often associated with certain cultural myths and legends in some indigenous societies where they are found.

• They have been studied for their role in pest control in agricultural areas, as they help reduce insect populations that can harm crops.

• Cattle egrets have been introduced to some regions as a biological control measure to manage pests, although this has sometimes led to unintended consequences.

• In some cases, they have been known to nest alongside colonies of other bird species, forming mixed-species nesting sites.

• Cattle egrets are highly adaptable to human-altered landscapes and can be found in urban areas, golf courses, and industrial sites, in addition to more natural habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions