|
Cattle Egret
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Ardeidae
Genus: Bubulcus
Species: ibis
Range & Habitat
Spectacular case of range expansion. Originally native to Europe, Africa and Asia. In 1930's it appeared in Northern South America. No competition for feeding niche so it spread rapidly through the West Indies to North America. It reached Florida in the early 1940's and Ontario and California in the mid 1960's. Expanded as far north as Newfoundland. It's habitat includes wetlands and farmlands with livestock, which kick up food as it walks around.
Reproduction & Growth
Lays 3-5 eggs and incubates them for 18-30 days. Nesting period is 35-50 days. Lifespan in captivity is over 10 years.
Diet
In the Wild: Insects and food flushed up by cattle and other hoof stock
In the Zoo: Bird of prey diet, crickets, smelt and mealworms
General Information
Follows cattle for the food they disturb as they move through a field. Builds nests at all levels which offers them an advantage usually limited to larger species. Now is at home with American dairy cattle as with African water buffalo.
Click here to learn about Animal Care.
|
