CATTLE EGRET

 

  (*216)                  CATTLE EGRET           Bubulus ibis   

USA            15

The cattle egret  is a cosmopolitan clade of heron in the genus Ardea found in the tropics, subtropics, and warm-temperate zones. According to the IOC bird list, it contains two species, the western cattle egret and the eastern cattle egret, although some authorities regard them as a single species. Despite the similarities in plumage to the egrets of the genus Egretta, it actually belongs to the genus Ardea. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world in the last century.

EASTERN CATTLE EGRET

Photographed on the outskirts of Siem Reap, Cambodia, November 2023

 (*  216)                EASTERN CATTLE EGRET               Bubulcus coromandus

CAMBODIA                 52

Found in grasslands and pastures as well as nearby wetlands such as rice paddies; seeks company of cattle or buffalo feeding on the insects they disturb. 50-55 cm. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world in the last century. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Bubulcus, although some authorities regard its two subspecies as full species, the western cattle egret and the eastern cattle egret.