The Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is one of the most familiar and widespread egrets found across tropical and subtropical regions, including Bangladesh. Known for its distinctive behavior of following grazing livestock, this small white heron has adapted to living alongside humans, often seen in fields, farms, and along roadsides, where it feeds on insects disturbed by livestock.
Appearance
The Cattle Egret is a small, white heron with a short neck, stocky build, and yellow-orange beak. During the breeding season, the male and female both acquire bright chestnut-colored plumage on their head, back, and wings, adding to their striking appearance. Its bright yellow legs and black-tipped bill make it easily identifiable.
Habitat
Cattle Egrets are highly adaptable birds. They are often found in grasslands, pastures, wetlands, and farmland—wherever livestock or large animals are present. They tend to nest in tall trees or shrubs near water, especially in colonies with other herons and egrets.
Behavior
Cattle Egrets are known for their unique foraging behavior. Unlike other birds that hunt for prey alone, the Cattle Egret follows livestock, such as cows, buffaloes, and horses, as they graze. As the animals disturb the ground, the egrets seize the opportunity to capture insects, ticks, and small rodents. This relationship benefits both the bird and the livestock, as the egret helps keep the animals free of pests.
They are social birds and are commonly seen in groups or pairs during feeding. Their feeding behavior is often accompanied by a distinctive squawking call.
Diet
Cattle Egrets feed primarily on insects, including grasshoppers, beetles, and crickets, as well as small frogs, lizards, and rodents. They often forage by walking behind cattle, picking up food from the ground, or sometimes even landing directly on the backs of large animals to catch flying insects.
Breeding
During the breeding season (April to August), the Cattle Egret builds a simple nest out of twigs and grasses in trees or shrubs. The female lays 2–5 eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The chicks are fed by both parents until they are ready to fledge.
Migration
Cattle Egrets are migratory birds. While some populations remain year-round in tropical regions, others migrate to warmer climates during the winter months. In Bangladesh, they are more commonly seen during the winter migration.
Interesting Facts
Symbiotic relationship with livestock: Cattle Egrets have a mutually beneficial relationship with grazing animals, keeping both the birds and livestock free from parasites.
They are excellent flyers and can travel long distances, often migrating from Africa to Asia or Europe depending on the season.
Cattle Egrets are also known to feed in urban areas, such as garbage dumps, where they scavenge for food.
Conclusion
The Cattle Egret is a unique and adaptable bird that plays an important ecological role by controlling insect populations and maintaining a balance in grazing areas. With its elegant white plumage, bright orange beak, and distinctive behavior of following livestock, it stands as one of the most easily recognizable birds in the countryside and a symbol of nature’s harmony between species.
