Cattle Egrets are the smallest egret in the US. It actually sleeps standing up - even when in water! This photo shows the two egrets in breeding plumage. Throughout the year, there is always a little orange on their head, but when in breeding plumage it's as glorious as in this photo. Large photo measures 16 x 20". XL photo 20 x 30".
The Cattle Egret is native to Africa and Asia, and began expanding worldwide in the 1800s, reaching North America in the early 1950s. After 70 years here, it is found primarily in the SE. Cattle Egrets may benefit the livestock industry by eating flies (and on rare occasions, ticks) from the bodies of cattle.