The white birds that eat bugs off cows are known as Cattle Egrets. These birds have a unique behavior of associating with large farm animals, such as cows and horses, in order to feed on insects and frogs that are disturbed by these animals. Cattle Egrets have a distinctive appearance, with all-white plumage and a yellow bill. They are relatively small in size, about 20 inches in length, and have a wingspan of around 35 inches.
One of the fascinating aspects of Cattle Egrets is their foraging strategy. Instead of actively hunting for prey, these birds take advantage of the movements of the animals they associate with. They patiently wait for a cow or horse to disturb the grass or soil, causing insects or frogs to become exposed. Once this happens, the Cattle Egrets quickly seize the opportunity and snatch up the prey with their sharp bills.
In some instances, Cattle Egrets may even perch on the backs of cows and horses. This behavior not only gives them a vantage point to spot potential prey but also serves as a form of symbiosis. The birds benefit from the disturbed insects, while the larger animals benefit from having the pests removed from their bodies, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship.
I have personally witnessed this behavior of Cattle Egrets while visiting a farm. It was fascinating to see these elegant white birds perched on the backs of cows, patiently waiting for their chance to strike at any disturbed insects. The cows seemed unaffected by the presence of the birds and continued their grazing activities as usual.
It is worth mentioning that Cattle Egrets are not exclusive to farm animals. They can also be found in other habitats, such as wetlands, marshes, and grasslands. However, their association with large animals like cows and horses is a behavior that is commonly observed and makes them easily identifiable.
To summarize, Cattle Egrets are the white birds that eat bugs off cows. Their unique behavior of associating with large farm animals allows them to take advantage of the insects and frogs that are disturbed by these animals. This behavior not only aids in their survival but also provides a benefit to the animals they associate with.