Bubulcus Ibis Link

: They often stand directly on an animal's back to eat ticks and parasites.

: Today, they are found on every continent except Antarctica. Nature's Clever Hitchhikers bubulcus ibis

: They trail behind cattle, horses, and tractors to catch insects stirred up by movement. : They often stand directly on an animal's

: Around 1877, they crossed the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to South America. and parts of Asia. However

For centuries, the cattle egret was found only in Africa, Southern Europe, and parts of Asia. However, in the late 1800s, they began an incredible journey.

Their success comes from a unique "commensal" relationship with larger animals.

: By the 1940s, they reached Florida and spread across North America.