Cattle Egret

Heron Species Types of Birds Heron Pictures

The Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), a non-native species, is the sole representative of the Blbulcus genus in the Family Ardeidae.

The name comes from the fact that the bird often can be seen around farms eating insects.

They are medium sized birds with white feathers, and orange bill and dark legs. Often they can be mistaken for the Snowy Egret, which has white feathers, a black bill and yellow feet.

Despite their non-native status, they now can be found throughout most of the United States, a testament to their adaptability and hardiness.

© 2009. Patricia A. Michaels