Skip to main content

cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)


The cattle egret, scientifically known as Bubulcus ibis, is a species of heron found worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite its name, it's not closely related to egrets but is rather a member of the heron family, Ardeidae.

The cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a relatively small species of heron, measuring about 46 to 56 centimeters (18 to 22 inches) in length from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail. They typically have a wingspan of around 88 to 96 centimeters (35 to 38 inches). In terms of weight, they generally range from 270 to 512 grams (9.5 to 18.1 ounces).
As for their diet, cattle egrets primarily feed on a variety of small animals, especially insects. Their diet consists mainly of grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, flies, moths, caterpillars, and other invertebrates. They are often seen foraging in open areas, such as grasslands, pastures, agricultural fields, and wetlands, where they follow grazing livestock to catch insects that are disturbed by the movement of these animals. This behavior is what gives them their name "cattle egret." However, they also feed opportunistically on other food sources, including small fish, frogs, reptiles, and occasionally small mammals or birds.

In the Indian subcontinent, the cattle egret  is a familiar sight, often seen accompanying livestock such as cows, buffaloes, and even camels. These birds are widespread throughout the region, found in a variety of habitats including agricultural fields, wetlands, grasslands, and even urban areas.

In India, they are commonly known as "Go-Bhutai" or "Gwaraaiya Pakshi" in Hindi, reflecting their association with cattle. They play an important ecological role by feeding on insects stirred up by the movement of grazing animals, helping to control pests in agricultural areas.

During the breeding season, which typically occurs in the monsoon months, cattle egrets develop breeding plumage characterized by buff-colored plumes on their head, neck, and back. They form colonies in trees, bushes, or even on man-made structures where they build nests and raise their young.

Overall, the cattle egret is a familiar and beneficial bird in the Indian subcontinent, where its presence is intertwined with the agricultural landscape and the lives of local communities.

The cattle egret is commonly found in various countries within the Indian subcontinent. 

Some of the countries where cattle egrets are regularly seen include:

India: Cattle egrets are widespread throughout India, from the northern plains to the southern tip. They are commonly found in agricultural fields, wetlands, grasslands, and even urban areas.

Pakistan: Cattle egrets are also found in Pakistan, where they inhabit similar habitats as in India, such as agricultural fields, wetlands, and urban areas.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, cattle egrets are commonly seen in agricultural areas, especially rice fields, where they feed on insects disturbed by farming activities.

Sri Lanka: Cattle egrets are widespread in Sri Lanka, where they are commonly seen in agricultural landscapes, wetlands, and urban areas.

Please don't use these images anywhere without permission. © All rights reserved by Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Bar-headed goose

  The bar-headed goose is a fascinating species known for its incredible migratory feats. It's often considered one of the world's highest-flying birds, capable of reaching altitudes of up to 29,000 feet (8,800 meters) during its migration over the Himalayas. These geese breed in Central Asia and migrate over the Himalayas to wintering grounds in the Indian subcontinent. Physical Characteristics: Size: They are typically around 71-76 centimeters (28-30 inches) in length, with a wingspan ranging from 127 to 142 centimeters (50 to 56 inches). Coloration: Adults have a distinctive appearance with a white head, neck, and underparts, while the back and wings are a pale gray-brown color. They have black bars or stripes across their chest and neck, which give them their name. Bill: The bill is relatively short and orange-yellow in color. Legs and Feet: Their legs and webbed feet are orange-yellow. Behavior and Adaptations: Migration:   Bar-headed geese are renowned for their extraord...

what does munia bird eat

what does munia bird eat The Munia bird, a small finch-like creature, sustains itself primarily on a diet of seeds. In its natural habitat, it forages for a variety of seeds, such as millet, canary grass, and other wild grass seeds. Its beak is adept at cracking open these seeds, providing it with essential nutrients and energy. During breeding season, Munias may supplement their diet with insects and green vegetation to meet the increased nutritional demands for raising their offspring. Whether in the wild or in captivity, Munias thrive on a seed-rich diet, occasionally incorporating insects and greens for added nourishment.

Bank Myna

  The bank myna, also known as the common myna or Indian myna, is a bird species native to Asia. It's known for its adaptability and intelligence, often found in urban and suburban areas.  Appearance: Size: Bank mynas typically measure about 23 to 26 centimeters (9 to 10 inches) in length. Coloration: Their plumage is mostly brown with a glossy sheen, especially on the head and upperparts. The wings and tail are darker brown, while the underside is paler. They have a distinctive yellow patch of bare skin around their eyes, and their legs and beak are also yellow. Head: The head is black, contrasting sharply with the rest of the body. Their eyes are dark and prominent. Sexual Dimorphism:   Males and females generally have similar appearances, with no significant differences in plumage coloration. Behavior and Habits: Vocalizations: Bank mynas are highly vocal birds, capable of producing a wide range of calls and sounds. Their calls include whistles, squawks, and chattering...