Cattle Egret

Scientific name: Bubulcus ibis

Unusual among herons, the Cattle Egret is an upland species often found in association with livestock. Native to Africa, the Cattle Egret’s strong dispersal tendencies and its adaptability have led to its spread and population increases throughout much of North America.

Cattle Egrets and other herons are colonial nesters and frequently lay eggs in nests of other species. Such eggs have limited hatchability, because they are often laid too late in the incubation cycle to survive.