(or cattle heron), bird (Bubulcus ibis) native to s. Spain, Africa, and Asia; appeared in South America about 1930, probably blown over the Atlantic by winds; spread rapidly over coast of South America; first observed in Massachusetts in 1952 and subsequently spread along Atlantic coast; believed to be only Old World bird in history to establish residence on mainland of the Americas without human aid; medium size about 2–27 in. (50–77 cm), breeding male white with yellowish-buff plumes on crown, back, and breast, yellow legs and bill . see also in index Heron