Cattle Egret

This familiar denizen of Florida's roadsides, pastures, and

prairies is a relatively new addition to American bird life

and is probably best known for its spectacular range

expansion. Cattle Egrets were unknown in the United

States until 1942. In North America, the bird now breeds

from New England west to southern Ontario and

Minnesota, then south through central Texas into Mexico.

It also summers regularly in Arizona, New Mexico, and

California.

 

Cattle Egrets usually nest in colonies with other wader

species, often outnumbering all others. Platforms of sticks

are built in trees and bushes usually on islands or over

water. Two to 5 blue-green eggs hatch in 21 to 24 days,

and the young fledge in 40 to 45 days. Nesting generally

occurs during late spring and summer, somewhat later

than the other waders in the same colonies.

 

I found this one on the nest at "Gatorland"

Orlando, Florida.

Done