Key information
Slightly smaller but much rarer than the little egret, cattle egrets are visiting the UK in increasing numbers. They often spend time close to livestock and grab insects and worms which their hooves disturb. Cattle egrets have yellow or greyish legs and a yellow beak, compared to the black legs (with yellow feet) and black beak of the little egret.
What they eat:
Insects, worms, reptiles, frogs and mice.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 45-50cm
- Wingspan:
- 82-95cm
- Weight:
- 300-400g
Population:
- UK wintering:
- c100
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Cattle egret (summer plumage)
Cattle egret (winter plumage)
