Habitat: This egret can be found near water sources, such as cattle fields in lowlands and lower highlands. Distribution: This species has been reported from eastern and southern North America to Chile and northern Argentina. Natural History Notes: This bird is not afraid of company and will often be found among cattle and other grazing animals. They have been reported to even perch on the back of cattle on several occasions. Conservation status according to IUCN 2008 Red list: Least Concern (LC). It is a resident species. Characteristics: The total length of this species varies between 45.72 cm and 20 inches (measured from tip of bill to end of tail). This small heron has a white plumage and has characteristic heavy jowl, giving this bird a large head appearance. The beak is yellow and shows a gradient toward red, except at the tip. The legs are pale yellow with a little green gradient.