Cattle Egret Vs Little Egret: Key Differences Explained
Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis) and Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta) are two members of the Egret genus that often get confused. Especially if seen from a distance. However, despite certain similarities, they have enough differences to allow you to distinguish between them in the field.
In this article, we’ll be highlighting those differences enabling you to make a positive identification of each species. Keep reading to find out more.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Cattle Egrets are stockier with a short neck compared to Little Egrets which are more slender with a longer neck
- Cattle Egrets are often seen following livestock in grassy fields
- Little Egrets are more commonly found near bodies of water
- Little Egrets have a distinctive black bill, black legs and yellow feet
- Cattle Egrets have a yellow or orange bill and legs
- Little Egrets always have a white plumage
- Cattle Egrets develop buff-coloured plumes during the breeding season
What Is The Difference Between A Cattle Egret And A Little Egret?
Cattle Egrets and Little Egrets are both species of white egrets, but they have some distinct differences in appearance, behaviour, and habitat. These differences include;
Visual Differences
Little Egrets are pure white all year round with black legs with distinctive yellow feet, a long slender black bill with a yellow base and during the breeding season they have a bluish tinge to their faces which turns yellowish the rest of the year.
Cattle Egrets are mainly white but during the breeding season they develop orange-buff plumes on their head, chest and back. They have yellowish or orange legs (blackish in juveniles), a short thick yellow bill which turns reddish during the breeding season and during the breeding season they get a yellow or reddish tinge around their eyes.
Differences In Habitat
Little Egrets habitat preference is primarily wetlands, estuaries, marshes and shallow coastal waters. They hunt in shallow waters stalking frogs, fish and small aquatic animals.
Little Egrets are often solitary birds or found in small groups when hunting for food. These birds are found across Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia mainly in warmer coastal regions.
Cattle Egrets are more often found in grasslands, farmlands and other areas around livestock. They forage around cattle (from which they get their name) and other large grazing animals and catch any insects disturbed by the hooves of these animals as they walk in the fields.
Cattle Egrets are more sociable birds and are often seen in largish flocks especially around livestock. They were originally from Africa but are now found throughout the world in warm regions including Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.
Nests & Eggs
It takes around 7 to 14 days for a Little Egret pair to build a nest. The male gathers materials while the female arranges them into a nest. These nests are typically built in colonies with other Herons, Egrets or other waterbirds.
The female will lay 3 to 5 greenish-blue eggs which are around 46 x 34 mm in size from April until June. The eggs will fade to an off-white colour over time. They are incubated for around 21 to 25 days with the chicks hatching asynchronously.
It will usually take a breeding pair of Cattle Egrets around 4 to 5 days to build a nest. The pair work together to build the nest but it’s the female that does most of the construction. These nests are also built in colonies with others to help prevent predation pressure.
Cattle Egrets tend to start their breeding season from late March to mid June and will lay a clutch of between 2 to 5 white eggs with a pale green or bluish tinge. Each egg is around 40 x 52 mm in size and is incubated for around 21 to 26 days before hatching asynchronously.
Bird Calls
Although not very melodic, Little Egrets are vocal, particularly during the breeding season. Their calls are a blend of soft croaks and harsher squawks which are heard in general communication or when they are alarmed.
Cattle Egrets on the other hand, are relatively quiet birds. Only using a subtle, throaty call when communicating within their social groups in their breeding colonies.
Size & Weight
When it comes to size and weight, Little Egrets are slightly larger than Cattle Egrets. Little Egrets are elegant with a slim build, whereas Cattle Egrets are stockier with a shorter neck.
Little Egrets are around 55 to 65 cm in length with a wingspan of around 88 to 95 cm. They weigh anywhere between 350 to 550 grams.
Cattle Egrets are slightly smaller with an overall length of around 45 to 50 cm and a wingspan of around 82 to 95 cm. They have a weight of between 300 to 400 grams.
SEE ALSO: Dotterel Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
The Little Egret has a black bill and yellow feet.
Cattle Egrets have yellow or orange legs whereas Little Egrets have black legs with bright yellow feet. Also Cattle Egrets are typically found in grasslands and farmlands usually around livestock, while Little Egrets prefer wetlands, estuaries, and shallow coastal waters.
Little Egrets were once rare visitors to the UK but are now a more common sight especially around the coastal areas of southern England and Wales.
Cattle Egrets used to be rare in the UK but can now be found breeding in some areas and have become residents.
