The cattle egret

A cattle egret is seen on the bank of Dasha River in Nanshan District. Photos by Isaac Cohen

The cattle egret

The cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a medium-sized bird species found in various parts of the world, including Shenzhen.

牛背鹭是一种体型中等的涉禽，全球可见，在深圳也是留鸟。

Measuring about 50 centimeters in length, it has a compact body covered in white plumage, which helps it blend in with its surroundings. However, during the breeding season, adult cattle egrets develop beautiful orange-buff feathers on their heads, necks and backs, adding a touch of color to their appearance. They also possess a long, slender yellow bill, which they use to catch their prey.

牛背鹭体长约50厘米，在鹭科鸟类中体型偏小；冬季体羽洁白，繁殖期成鸟头、颈、背部体羽转为橙红色，尾和其余体羽白色；喙明黄色，尖端似矛，用于捕食猎物。

A cattle egret is seen on the bank of Dasha River in Nanshan District. 

These birds can be found in various habitats, including wetlands, marshes, grasslands and agricultural fields. In Shenzhen, they are often seen near water bodies, ponds, lakes, rivers and open areas with grass and vegetation. The luckiest birdwatchers may spot them foraging in fields alongside grazing cattle, as these opportunistic feeders feeding happily on the insects stirred up by the cattle. With their diet primarily consisting of insects and small invertebrates, the birds are welcomed by their cattle friends, as they help control pest populations.

牛背鹭可见于多种生境，包括湿地、沼泽、草地和农田，可以在深圳的池塘、河流、湖泊等水体周围及植被茂密的空地发现它们的踪影，如果“鸟运”好的话，还能在稻田里观察到它们跟随耕牛，捡食因犁地而被迫逃窜至地面的昆虫的行为。此外，这种以昆虫和小型无脊椎动物为食的鹭还会捕食耕牛身上的寄生虫，形成一种良好的共生关系。

During the breeding season, typically in spring and summer, these birds form large colonies in trees or shrubs near water bodies. The females lay a clutch of up to five eggs, which both parents incubate. Once the chicks hatch, both parents work together to feed and protect their young until they are ready to fledge and become independent.

通常在春、夏季繁殖，常集大群，在靠近水源的树木或灌丛中营群巢。雌鸟每窝产卵可达5枚，由亲鸟轮流孵化、喂养，直到雏鸟具备离巢独立生活的能力。

A cattle egret is seen on the bank of Dasha River in Nanshan District. 

A valuable asset to both the natural and agricultural landscapes, the cattle egret is a beautiful and charismatic bird, adding to Shenzhen’s natural beauty and biodiversity. Let us protect these magnificent birds, ensuring their continued presence in our city.

再风景如画的自然和田野，也会因为少了牛背鹭而变得单调。这些美丽优雅的涉禽是深圳的物种多样性的重要成员，我们要保护好它们，让它们继续在这座城市里和我们比邻而居。