The Azores Archipelago consists of 9 volcanic islands located about 1,360 kilometers off the western coast of Portugal. The islands first appeared in the “Atlas Catalan” in 1375. Portuguese settlement of the Azores began in the early 15th century. São Miguel is the largest of the 9 islands in population and area.
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Bubulcus ibis - Originally native to Portugal, Southern Spain, and subtropical areas of Africa and Asia. The cattle egret is the most successful transplant of the bird species. It has spread as far west as the Americas and as far east as Australia. The cattle egret is closely associated with grazing animals. The bird will follow in the wake of the browsing animals to pick off any small prey disturbed. Their diet includes spiders, moths, grasshoppers, frogs, and earthworms. They also pick off flies and ticks from the backs of their grazing hosts.
