Hello, everyone! If you spot an orange head, it might just be a Cattle Egret. Let’s talk about the charm of the Cattle Egret!
Cattle Egrets are relatively petite among the herons, with a body length of about 46-56 cm. In summer, their feathers from the head to the body turn a beautiful orange color, resembling small flowers shining in the sky. In winter, their feathers turn white again. However, the shortness of their beak and the soft yellow color of their head still bring a warm feeling even in winter.
Their diet mainly consists of insects, spiders, fish, and amphibians. Interestingly, they sometimes catch parasites on the backs of large herbivores, a behavior that proves useful in nature. Cattle Egrets often move in groups, which is a significant difference from other heron species. They are birds that do not often make noise, but they do make small “gak” and “ga-a” sounds during conflicts, or at roosting and nesting sites. During the breeding season, they can also be heard making “go-a” and “gua-a” sounds. In parenting, both males and females cooperate and work hard together.
The Japanese name was given because the yellowish-orange feathers resemble the color of amber. Furthermore, the English name “cattle” comes from their habit of following livestock.
Cattle Egrets teach us many stories, far beyond what one might imagine from their small size. Next time you see them, enjoy their amber-orange heads. See you next time.
