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.
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