Scientific Name: Bubulcus ibis Common Name: Cattle Egret Other Name: Cow crane, Cow bird, Cow heron, Elephant bird, Rhinoceros egret
Identifying Features: all-white body, yellow bill, black legs, long neck, found in agricultural fields or tree tops, usually around cattle or anything that moves the soil
Fun Facts:
- The cattle egret is a popular bird with cattle ranchers for its perceived role as a bio-control of cattle parasites such as ticks and flies.
- The Maasai people consider the presence of large numbers of cattle egrets as an indicator of impending drought and use it to decide on moving their cattle herds.
This image was clicked by Ilya Povalyaev – via Flickr.
Where have you seen this bird? Let us know in the comments below. You can also share a photo of this bird clicked by you by sending it to birdwatcher@delhigreens.org
