The Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a stocky heron, 46 – 56 cm long, and weighs 270 – 512 g. It has a relatively short thick neck, sturdy bill, and a hunched posture. The non-breeding adult has mainly white plumage, a yellow bill and the legs vary from dark brown to yellow, with black toes. A breeding Western Cattle Egret has a red bill and buff plumage on the head, breast and mantle. The legs turn red. The sexes are similar, but the male is marginally larger and has slightly longer breeding plumes than the female. Juvenile birds lack coloured plumes and have a black bill as well as black legs. …..read the article….. Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)