Cattle Egret

Recognition
Mostly white in color with a tinge of orange in the centre of the breast.  The head also has an orange crest.  Adult birds have an orange bill which turns yellow in winter.  Size: 18-20” long.

Where seen
Commonly seen in groups in pastures towards Lowes and in the ranch fields particularly if they contain horse or cow pats.

Jimmy’s notes
Moves from site to site to find food.  Often seen in small flocks searching meadows for food.  When disturbed appears to have an indignant look about it. The word "egret" comes from the French word "aigrette”. This refers to the long filamentous which can be seen to flow down the back of the head during the breeding season. These birds were originally from Asia and Africa but have now colonized most of the world and arrived in Florida about 60 years ago.