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.
: By the 1940s, they reached Florida and spread across North America. bubulcus ibis
: Today, they are found on every continent except Antarctica. Nature's Clever Hitchhikers For centuries, the cattle egret was found only
: They trail behind cattle, horses, and tractors to catch insects stirred up by movement. and parts of Asia. However
: Some ranchers prefer egrets over pesticides for natural fly control.
Their success comes from a unique "commensal" relationship with larger animals.
: Around 1877, they crossed the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to South America.