Eastern Cattle-Egret
Ardea coromanda
Aves › Pelecaniformes › Ardeidae › Ardea
The eastern cattle egret is a species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Formerly, most taxonomic authorities lumped this species and the western cattle egret together, but the two cattle egrets are now treated as separate species. Despite the similarities in plumage to the egrets of the genus Egretta, it is more closely related to the herons of Ardea. It is native to southern and eastern Asia, and Australasia.
How To Identify
It is a medium-large heron with bright white plumage, distinguished by striking yellow bills and often noticeable dark markings on the neck or crest.
Habitat
It typically inhabits open grasslands, wetlands, rice paddies, and cultivated areas near water, often following livestock herds.
Behaviour
Eastern Cattle-Egrets forage almost exclusively on the ground, walking among grazing animals to snatch insects and small creatures disturbed by their hooves, rather than hunting in water like most egrets.
Native Range
The eastern cattle egret is native to southern and eastern Asia and Australasia.
Did You Know?
Eastern Cattle-Egrets have surprisingly short necks compared to other egrets, which they retract into an S-shape during flight, making them appear almost hunchbacked. They often ride on the backs of large mammals to catch insects disturbed by their movement.
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