The Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. A conspicuous species, the Cattle Egret has attracted many common names. These mostly relate to its habit of following cattle and other large animals, and it is known variously as cow crane, cow bird or cow heron, or even elephant bird, rhinoceros egret. (Wikipedia)