English               -               Cattle Egret    

Portuguese       -                Garça-vaqueira

Latin                  -                 Bubulcus ibis         

The Cattle Egret was one of the more common species I saw while staying at REGUA. (Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu) Especially first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon. First thing in the morning they would normally leave the reserve in flocks and head out to the surrounding paddocks to feed and then late in the afternoon come back to roost in the trees in the reserves wetlands. (photo # 3) Photos 1 & 2 were taken inside the reserve at REGUA as I was walking around the wetlands trail (yellow Trail) Now,…………….to go against what I have just said, the Cattle Egret in the photos was alone and stayed in the same spot for a some days. Not to sure if it was sick or something but it just seemed unusual for it to be alone and in the same place for so many days. Anyway one day it wasn’t there anymore, I’d like to think it joined the flock again and was out feeding with its mates. On a philosophical note…….that’s the reason I love to photograph wildlife as I am documenting its life, capturing moments of its existence.

* The Cattle Egret is also known as the Buff-backed heron.

* It has a Length of up to 56 cm, Wingspan of around 96 cm and weighs about 390 g.

* The Cattle Egrets call is described as a ”hoarse croak” (actual recording was taken at REGUA)

* They are found in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

* The Cattle Egret is found in open, grassy areas, such as pastures, meadows, marshes, flood plains and swamps. 

* They feed on a wide range of prey, particularly insects as well as spiders, frogs and earthworms. They are usually found with cattle and other large grazing animals and catch small creatures disturbed by the mammals.

* A group of Cattle Egret is collectively known as a “stampede of Egrets.

* The female lays one to five bluish-white eggs. Incubated for around 23 days. The nestlings begin to leave the nest and climb around at 2 weeks and fledge at 30 days and become independent after 45 days.

* The Cattle Egret has a large range and population numbers are believed to have increased. It is one species that is benefiting from deforestation as more and more forests are being transformed into plantations, farmland, etc. The Cattle Egret is a species classified as a species ”of least concern”.