The Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis is a widespread member of the heron family Ardeidae, being an almost cosmopolitan species. During the interview process, I soon discovered that this conspicuous bird is widely recognised in southern Africa as being generally beneficial, also filling the role of an important messenger, particularly to people of Nguni origin.

As the common name implies, this bird is closely associated with cattle, and indeed the Zulu forebears of the Ndebele historically associated them with the pure-white royal herd. Due to their apparently tireless habit of following grazing livestock or game to catch insects disturbed from the grass, or to glean ticks from hides, they are often referred to as ‘inyoni kayiphumullu’ – ‘the bird that never rests’. They are also colloquially known as ‘tick birds’ and are believed to be ‘herders’ that guide and watch over the cattle during the day and return them home safely in the evening.

Another Ndebele belief is that these birds signify good luck and that the number of individuals comprising a flock in flight is a lucky number, which may prove useful in gambling or other future activities.

Local names for the Cattle Egret in Zimbabwe:

Kafudzamombe, Kaphudzamombe, Dzoramombe – Shona (all dialects)
iLanda – Ndebele
iNyeangenge – Nambya
Lilhisha kgomo – Venda/Sotho
Nyonumahlopi, Munyangani, Dzandza – Shangaan
Nyengenge – baTonga

Despite the widespread distribution of this species (and other herons) they appear to feature little elsewhere in African folklore.

In Birds and People, brief mention is made of the fact that the name of the Cattle Egret in most Arabic speaking countries translates as ‘friend to the farmer’ and that herons were once recognised as the true birds of the Nile marshes by the ancient Egyptians. They were also known as a bird of the soul (benu), thought by some to have possibly given rise to the myth of the Phoenix, although this distinction more likely belongs to the flamingos, which will be discussed in the following post.

Additional Reference:

Cocker, M & Tipling, D. (2013). Birds and People, Jonathan Cape, London, England.

For more information on this species visit:

https://ebird.org/species/categr

http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/cattle-egret-bubulcus-ibis