Cattle Egret

heron · amazing travelers · Africa and Asia · insect hunter

World travelers. Cattle egrets originally lived only in parts of Asia, Africa, and southern Europe, but over the last hundred years they have spread to almost every continent on Earth. They are one of nature's greatest success stories at expanding their range.

Clever hunters. These herons follow large animals like cattle, buffalo, and zebras to catch grasshoppers, flies, and other insects that jump up when the animals walk through grass. It's like having a free meal delivered by someone else's footsteps.

Genetic surprise. Scientists used to think cattle egrets were just like other white egrets, but DNA tests revealed they actually belong in the same genus as much larger gray herons. They're more closely related to big herons than they look.

Spreading northward. Cattle egrets are now moving into cooler areas where they never lived before, adapting to more and more climates as the world changes. They're tough little birds that can handle different weather.