Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Description: Cattle egrets are a small heron, reaching up to 20 inches. They are white in color, with an off-white chest and head. They also have skinny tan legs, and a sharp bill. General Information: In the wild, cattle egrets can be found foraging for insects on the ground, as well as on the backs of large mammals. They will do this so that they can catch up the insects that the mammals stir up as they walk. Habitat: Freshwater and brackish water marshland, pastures, lagoons, and even airstrips. Range: Originally from Africa, this bird is on every continent except for Antarctica. Reproduction: 2 to 6 eggs are laid, and hatch after an 18 to 30 day incubation period. Diet: In the Wild: Insects, small vertebrates. At the Zoo: Fish, insects, mealworms. Interesting Facts: Egrets in the early 1900’s were killed for their feathers, which were used for lady’s hats.
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