Cattle Egrets are relatively plump with short and thick bills and necks. They are a type of bird that lives near water, with a slender body covered in gray feathers with white spots, and wings and tail feathers that are black.
Cattle Egrets have strong adaptability and can survive in various water habitats such as seashores, lakes, and rivers.
Their feathers are dense and soft, which helps them to maintain body warmth. Although the body color of the Cattle Egret is relatively uniform, there are white spots on their feathers, with different sizes and positions, giving each Cattle Egret a unique appearance.
Although they may seem ordinary, Cattle Egrets are one of the most widely distributed birds in the world, common on all continents except Antarctica. Cattle Egrets are likely the most populous of all egret species in the world.
Originally found in the tropical plains of Africa, Cattle Egrets began to expand their range in the late 19th century. They entered southern Europe and crossed the Atlantic to South America. In the early 20th century, they appeared in South Africa, and in 1941, they expanded to the United States.
Cattle Egrets have different habits in different regions. For example, those living near the sea are more commonly found in intertidal zones and beaches, while those in inland water habitats are more commonly found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. In Japan, Cattle Egrets are also used as a birdwatching attraction, attracting many bird enthusiasts.
Cattle Egrets can be found in plain grasslands, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, dry fields, and marshlands. They are often found foraging on the backs of cattle, and as a result, are named "Cattle Egrets".
This species has a wide distribution, is not close to the critical endangered threshold standard (distribution or fluctuation range less than 20,000 square kilometers, habitat quality, population size, and fragmentation of the distribution range), and has a stable population trend, so it is evaluated as a species without a survival crisis.
Cattle Egrets and cattle have a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. Cattle Egrets can help cattle clean up annoying parasites such as cattle lice, flies, and other animals. Cattle, on the other hand, when walking, stir up insects in the grass, making it easier for Cattle Egrets to forage.
Cattle Egrets are solitary birds. They like to search for food near the water and will quickly pounce on fish, shrimp, and other aquatic creatures once they spot them.
Cattle Egrets have strong flying abilities. They can fly on the water, underwater, and even in trees, with the rapid flapping of their wings leaving a lasting impression.
The breeding season of Cattle Egrets is from April to July, and they nest in trees or bamboo groves. They often nest in groups and sometimes share nests with Great Egrets. Each clutch contains 4-9 eggs, and both males and females take turns incubating the eggs, which hatch in 21-24 days.
Cattle Egrets are beautiful and unique birds. We should strengthen their protection to ensure their survival.
