Western Cattle Egret

The Western Cattle Egret is a widespread and conspicuous species in Ecuador, thriving in open habitats such as pastures, rice fields, and roadside wetlands from coastal lowlands to inter-Andean valleys. It occurs year-round and is especially abundant in agricultural landscapes, often seen foraging near livestock where it captures insects and small vertebrates stirred up by grazing animals. Despite its dependence on human-modified environments, it is listed as Least Concern due to its global population growth and adaptability. Colonial nesting behavior and seasonal movements add to its ecological success, making it one of the most rapidly expanded heron species in the Americas.