Ardea coromanda
The Eastern Cattle Egret, here recognized as *Ardea coromanda*, is a small, stout, pristine white egret, closely associated with grazing mammals in its native range. Measuring 45-56 cm in length with a wingspan of 88-96 cm and weighing 270-510 g, it boasts a relatively short, thick yellow bill and yellowish-grey legs. During the breeding season, its appearance transforms dramatically with the emergence of striking buffy-orange plumes on the crown, nape, back, and chest, complemented by an int...
Primarily inhabits open, grassy environments such as pastures, agricultural fields (especially rice paddies), floodplains, and damp grasslands, generally preferring low-elevation areas.
Feeds primarily on insects (especially grasshoppers, crickets, flies), along with spiders, frogs, small reptiles, and occasionally small fish, often obtained by foraging near large mammals.
A highly diurnal species, the Eastern Cattle Egret spends its nights roosting communally in trees or dense vegetation, often sharing sites with other wading birds. Its foraging strategy is uniquely adapted to its commensal lifestyle: it walks alongside large grazing mammals or farm machinery, exp...
The Eastern Cattle Egret's native breeding range spans across much of Asia, from Pakistan through the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia (including Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines), China, Korea, and Japan. Further east, it extends throughout Australasia, encompa...
Least Concern
- The Eastern Cattle Egret gets its name from its remarkable habit of foraging alongside cattle and other large grazing animals. - It's a highly successful colonizer, having expanded its range significantly across Asia and Australasia over the last century. - During the breeding season, its eyes ...