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Cattle Egret

Did you know?

The Cattle Egret sits on the backs of cattle to look out for insects to eat.

 
Calls
Usually silent, but will make croaking noises in breeding colonies
Facts and Figures
Research Species: 
No
Minimum Size: 
48cm
Maximum Size: 
53cm
Average size: 
50cm
Breeding season: 
October to March
Clutch Size: 
2 to 7, usually 3
Incubation: 
24 days
Nestling Period: 
42 days
Conservation Status
Federal: 
Secure
NSW: 
Secure
NT: 
Secure
QLD: 
Secure
SA: 
Secure
TAS: 
Secure
VIC: 
Secure
WA: 
Secure
Basic Information
Scientific Name: 
Ardea ibis
Featured bird groups: 
Water birds
Atlas Number: 
977
What does it look like?
Description: 

A relatively small snowy-white egret, the Cattle Egret is distinguished during breeding season by its orange crown, neck and breast, with similarly tinted long loose neck plumes. The long sharp, slightly down-curved bill is yellow to pinkish yellow, but becomes bright red during breeding season. The legs are normally grey-green out of breeding season, turning bright red or orange-brown during breeding.
It is a gregarious species and is most commonly seen foraging with grazing stock and in wetland areas.

Similar species: 

Outside breeding season, The Cattle Egret may be confused with other white egrets such as the Intermediate Egret, A. intermedia, which has a longer neck and is less stocky or the Little Egret, A garzetta, which always has a very slender black bill and is much slimmer in profile. The Great Egret, A. alba, is much larger, with a longer neck and legs and a slimmer body. In breeding season, the orange plumage of the Cattle Egret makes it unmistakable.

Where does it live?
Distribution: 

Originally found in Africa, Europe and Asia, the Cattle Egret is now found on nearly every continent, with birds in Australia originating from Asia. In Australia it is most widespread and common in north-eastern Western Australia across the Top End, Northern Territory, and in south-eastern Australia from Bundaberg, Queensland to Port Augusta, South Australia, including Tasmania.

Habitat: 

The Cattle Egret is found in grasslands, woodlands and wetlands, and is not common in arid areas. It also uses pastures and croplands, especially where drainage is poor. Will also forage at garbage dumps, and is often seen with cattle and other stock.

Seasonal movements: 

The Cattle Egret is partially migratory, moving during winter.

What does it do?
Feeding: 

The Cattle Egret prefers grasshoppers, especially during breeding season, but eats many other invertebrates. It also eats frogs, cane toads, lizards and some small mammals. Its sharp bill is used in a lunging and stabbing manner. It often feeds by following large animals such as cattle, grabbing insects and worms that they disturb with their feet. They also will sit on cattle to look out for insects.

Breeding: 

Cattle Egret pairs are monogamous for the breeding season, and they breed in colonies, usually with other waterbirds. Their shallow platform nests are made in wetland areas in trees and bushes, usually as high up as possible. Both parents build the nest and incubate the eggs, with one brood per season being raised.

Living with us

Clearing and the provision of water for stock in dry areas have favoured the expansion of the Cattle Egret's range. The birds are valued by farmers for keeping crop pest (i.e. insects) numbers down and reducing cattle tick infestations.

References: 
Field guide to Australian Birds.
Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol. 1. Part B.
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