: They often stand directly on an animal's back to eat ticks and parasites.
: Today, they are found on every continent except Antarctica. Nature's Clever Hitchhikers bubulcus ibis
: Around 1877, they crossed the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to South America. : They often stand directly on an animal's
The cattle egret ( Bubulcus ibis ) is one of the most successful avian explorers in history. Unlike most species that spread due to human transport, these birds conquered the globe largely on their own wings. The Great Migration The cattle egret ( Bubulcus ibis ) is
For centuries, the cattle egret was found only in Africa, Southern Europe, and parts of Asia. However, in the late 1800s, they began an incredible journey.
Their success comes from a unique "commensal" relationship with larger animals.
: Some ranchers prefer egrets over pesticides for natural fly control.