20 inches long with a 36 inch wingspan. The Cattle Egret is a relatively small egret with a short pointed bill and white body plumage. It only briefly attains its breeding plumage with a bright red bill and legs and orange-buff feathering around the head, neck and back. In non-breeding plumage the legs are dark. The body plumage is entirely white.
The Cattle Egret is an uncommon migrant through the area that appears from mid April through mid May and again from mid August through mid November.
The Cattle Egret often tucks its neck close to the body while flying and also while at rest. It pumps head as it walks. The Cattle Egret is often seen feeding in pastures and other open areas far from water. It began a remarkable worldwide range expansion on the North America continent in the early 1950s. In about 40 years, it became common in many regions and is still colonizing new areas.
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