Native to Africa and parts of Eurasia and Australia, the Cattle Egret naturally and rapidly colonized North America between the 1950s-1970s and also extended into parts of Canada. Confirmed breeding events in Canada have always been rare (first recorded nest in 1962; Telfair 2006). Most observations, which happen annually, have been in spring and fall; the latter likely represent post-breeding dispersers from the larger populations in the southern United States. The population in Canada remains small, but the lack of information precludes an assessment of this species' population status relative to about 1970.
Given their strong association with agricultural landscapes and livestock, Cattle Egrets are directly affected by a range of human activities (Telfair 2006). The availability of breeding habitat is limited by their preference for nesting in heronries that have been previously established by other species (Telfair 2006). Pesticides and other contaminants may affect survival and productivity, but their impact at the population-level is unknown (Telfair 2006).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.
