The cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a small, white heron species known for its association with livestock and agricultural fields, where it forages for insects and other small prey stirred up by grazing animals. Here’s a description of the cattle egret and its distribution:

Description of the Cattle Egret:

• Appearance: Cattle egrets are relatively small herons with compact bodies, short necks, and relatively short, stout bills. During the breeding season, they develop orange-buff plumes on their head, neck, and back, which contrast with their otherwise white plumage. Outside of the breeding season, their plumage is largely white, with yellowish legs and a yellow bill.
• Behavior: Cattle egrets are often seen foraging in close proximity to grazing livestock, such as cattle, horses, and buffalo. They feed on insects, including grasshoppers, crickets, and flies, as well as spiders, frogs, and other small prey that are disturbed by the movement of livestock. They may also forage in agricultural fields, wetlands, and other open habitats.
• Breeding: During the breeding season, cattle egrets form breeding colonies in trees, shrubs, or reed beds, often near bodies of water. They build shallow, platform nests out of sticks and other vegetation, where females lay clutches of eggs. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and raising the chicks.
• Distribution: Cattle egrets have a widespread distribution across much of the world, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. They are native to Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe, but they have also expanded their range to other continents through natural dispersal and human-mediated introductions. In recent decades, they have become established in the Americas, including North and South America, as well as in Australia.
• Conservation Status: Cattle egrets are not considered globally threatened, and their populations are generally stable or increasing in many parts of their range. They benefit from the availability of open habitats and agricultural landscapes, as well as their association with livestock, which provides opportunities for foraging.

Distribution by Country: Cattle egrets are found in a wide range of countries around the world. Some of the countries where they are commonly found include:

• African countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt.
• Asian countries such as India, China, Thailand, and Indonesia.
• European countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece.
• American countries such as the United States, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.

Within these countries, cattle egrets are typically found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, agricultural fields, and coastal areas. They are often seen in close proximity to human habitation, where they take advantage of food sources provided by agricultural activities.