Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

The only member of its genus "Bubulcus" means Cattle. This one is in high breeding plumage showing a deep orange bill and extensive cinnamon-buff on its head and breast. It is probably a female based on the lack of cinnamon-buff plumes on its back. This is presumably the smaller less colorful nominate race, sometimes split as "Western Cattle Egret." It is believed to have reached South America naturally from Africa and spread through the Americas taking advantage of clearing for cattle ranching. It is now common across the southern tier of the United States where it associates with grazing livestock. Its range expansion is arguably among the fastest and most extensive recorded for any avian species.