Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibis

CLASS: Aves
ORDER: Ciconiiformes
FAMILY: Ardeidae

SIZE:
20 inches in length

RANGE:
Most of Africa, India, southern U.S., and northern part of South America, parts of New Zealand and Australia

HABITAT:
Farms, marshes, associated with cattle

DIET:
Wild - Insects, larvae
Zoo - Small fish, soaked dog food, bird of prey diet

DESCRIPTION:

• White heron-like bird with yellow bill and yellow legs
• Bill is pink and legs are coral-pink when nesting
• Crown, breast, and back are biff-colored during breeding season

FACTS:

• Walks among cattle, sometimes even sits on their backs in order to catch insects
• Catches the insects flushed up by the feet of walking animals

REFERENCES:
"Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia," Vol. 7 Birds 1, Dr. Bernhard Grizmek

"Common Birds of Louisiana," Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.