Western Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibis
White egret often seen near wetlands and fields hunting insects and small fish.
| Scientific name | Bubulcus ibis |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Mwewe wa Ng'ombe |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Size | Male: approximately 0.4-0.5 kg; Female: approximately 0.4-0.5 kg |
How to identify
Small-sized bird, body length about 46-56 cm; white plumage, with pale orange coloration on the crown, chest, and back during breeding season; short, thick yellow bill; relatively short legs, yellow or orange-yellow; often seen foraging alongside large mammals.
Habitat
Wetlands, open woodland savannas, farmland, valleys, and waterside shrublands
Diet
Omnivorous, primarily feeding on insects (such as locusts and grasshoppers), small invertebrates, and small fish
When it is active
Diurnal, frequently active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk
Where it lives
Widely distributed across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas; commonly found in Africa including Kenya and Masai Mara National Reserve
How to spot it
Observe in the early morning or late afternoon near wetlands or grasslands, paying attention to their foraging behavior alongside large mammals.
Photography tips
Use a telephoto lens to capture feeding and flight moments, watch for changes in lighting, and photograph color changes during the breeding season.
Threats
Habitat destruction, pesticide use affecting food sources, environmental pollution
Similar species
Great Egret (larger body, longer bill); Little Egret (smaller body, longer legs)
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