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Bubulcus ibis/cattle egrets in Nepal. Photo: Aryan Dhimal Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a species that is found across the tropical, subtropical, and warm temperature zones throughout Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Known as baastu bakulla in Nepali, the name “cattle egret” comes from the fact that it follows cattle or other large mammals to feed on insects that are aroused by their movements. Perhaps that is why farmers need to conserve cattle egrets in Nepal also. The friend of the farmers Cattle egret is a small, white bird with a yellow beak and black legs. During the breeding season, buff plumes are added to it. It consumes a variety of prey items although it prefers insects including grasshoppers, crickets, flies (adult and maggots), beetles and moths. It also eats spiders, frogs, fish, crayfish, tiny snakes, lizards, and earthworms. This species has a strong bond with cattle and other large grazing mammals. Ticks and insects are removed from cattle by the cattl...