Cattle Egret is the only member of the genus Bubulcus. It is of
Old World origins, has been a very successful coloniser and is
now found in the warmer parts of every continent except
Antarctica. Most are permanent residents apart from some
post-breeding dispersal, which has presumably led to its range
expansion. The first record for Britain was an immature female,
shot at South Allington near Kingsbridge in Devon during late
October 1805. Prior to being shot it had been present for
several days typically feeding among cows where it
characteristically fed on insects.
There has been one Cattle Egret reported from S.
Gloucestershire;
1993: (1)
On April 24th a summer adult was found near Littleton-on-Severn
Brick Pits. It was present for just four days and was last seen
on April 27th. This occurrence constitutes the first report of
this species for S. Gloucestershire and represents the 73rd
British record. (TW Williamson)
