I've often wondered why these birds are called cattle egrets, so this morning I decided to look up the answer. It's because they are often found foraging near cattle. Duh! :) In other parts of the world, if they are around elephants, they would be called elephant egrets or rhinoceros egrets. It depends on the animal.
Cattle egrets benefit cows by acting as a pest control service, feeding on parasites and insects such as flies and ticks that are on or near cattle as they graze. This is a mutually beneficial relationship. It helps reduce the insect-related problems for the cows and provides the egrets with a food source.
Linking to Saturday Critters
...it's good to work together.
ReplyDeleteThe cattle egrets are lovely, beautiful photos Betty!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up and sharing your critter post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
The egrets are very cute.
ReplyDeleteThey are smart birds and very pretty!
ReplyDeletereally beautiful images of the cattle egrets...i love their "peachy" spots!!
ReplyDeleteI think that is a lovely symbiotic arrangement!
ReplyDeleteWe have a lot around the cows and horses here in Florida. They sure are pretty and fun to watch!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds, very nice capture.
ReplyDeleteThey provide a valuable service.
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