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Cattle Egret

The cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a species of heron (family Ardeidae) found in the tropics, subtropics, and warm-temperate zones. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Bubulcus. 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. The adult cattle egret has few predators, but birds or mammals may raid its nests, and chicks may be lost to starvation, calcium deficiency, or disturbance from other large birds. This species maintains a special relationship with cattle, which extends to other large grazing mammals; wider human farming is believed to be a major cause of their suddenly expanded range. The cattle egret removes ticks and flies from cattle and consumes them. (Photo by George Wilson/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#10466296
Date Taken	8 June 2013
Location	N/A
Photographer	George Wilson/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - George Wilson/NurPhoto

NurPhoto Birds Cattle Egret USA Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Ardeidae Asia Africa Europe distribution predators nests chicks starvation calcium deficiency disturbance relationship with cattle ticks and flies Bird Plant bird animal aquatic bird beak outdoor feather tree