(Bubulcus ibis)
19 - 21 inches

photograph © James F. Parnell

Status: No special status in North Carolina.

Identification: This small stocky egret is easily distinguished by its white plumage and relatively short neck. Adults have a rusty-orange crown, back and upper chest when breeding. The bill and legs are yellowish to yellow-orange in color. This species is often seen in pastures, agricultural fields and on roadsides.

Nesting Habitat: Cattle Egrets nest primarily on estuarine islands and barrier islands, although some may nest in swamp forests. Nests are elevated in shrubs or trees.

Breeding Biology: Cattle Egrets often arrive at North Carolina colony sites later than other species of wading birds. Initiation of nesting activities begins in late April to early May, but may occur until late June or early July. They construct small platform nests of interwoven plant stems and twigs. Females lay four to five small pale blue eggs. The incubation period is 22 to 23 days, and nestlings fly at about six to seven weeks of age. Cattle Egrets may occupy North Carolina colony sites from April to mid-September.

Food: Food consists primarily of insects, frogs, toads, other small amphibians and reptiles. Cattle Egrets also eat small mammals, birds, snails and freshwater fish.

State Nesting Population: Declining, approximately 900 nesting pairs (coastal).

Major Threats: none.

Waterbirds:
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Last Revision 5/21/98