The Western Cattle Egret’s name comes from its association with cattle. This heron is often seen close to cows, sheep and horses, but also large wild mammals.
This species occurs as well in N, C and S Americas, as in Eurasia, Africa and Australia, including the associated islands.
The Western Cattle Egret is native to some parts of Asia, Africa and southern Europe, but it is now present in all continents except the poles.
The Western Cattle Egret is a monogamous species and usually starts breeding at about two to three years of age (Kaufman 1996). They nest in colonies, before mating, however, males must first claim their territories. The male will then perform elaborate courtship rituals, including picking up and shaking twigs. A female then chooses a suitable mate and suppresses his displaying by landing on his back. After the pair has bonded, the female follows the male to another location where copulation takes place and where the nest will be built.
The nests are usually built on trees, swamp, shrubs or bushes. Pairs build a nest together, often stealing twigs from neighbours. The female lays three to four eggs, which both parents incubate for approximately 24 to 25 days. Throughout this period, when one bird leaves the nest, upon its return, it is greeted by a ceremony that involves erecting its plumes and/or flattening its chest feathers. The chicks fledge at one month of age.
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