Bird Gallery Index

Cattle Egret image (breeding plumage) © Helen Baines

Family:  (Ardeidae) Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns

Preferred Habitat: Fields and pastures.

Seasonal Occurrence: Abundant throughout the year. Breeds in our area

Notes: Cattle Egrets are native to Africa and Asia. They arrived in the United States in the 1940's and made their first appearance in Texas in 1954. They are now one of the most common egrets to be seen in Houston, where they are often spotted in fields and along watercourses. When in breeding plumage, the yellow bill of Cattle Egrets becomes orange and their heads and backs also acquire an orange wash. Cattle Egrets eat primarily insects. They nest in mixed heronries, usually with Snowy Egrets and Tricolored Herons. In 2005, 42 Cattle Egret nests were counted at the Smith Oaks Rookery, with 24 nests counted on North Deer Island.
- Susan Billetdeaux