The Cattle Egret is probably the rarest of the UK's three egrets, certainly in Northumberland it is not common at all. This one was mobile, but generally in the cattle fields surrounding Druridge Bay Links. They are similar in size and appearance to the badly named Little Egret, as the Cattle Egret is slightly smaller. The Cattle Egret is also more aptly named as it is normally found with cattle, as in these photos.

They feed on the insects that are found with cattle, and often can be seen picking the insects directly off the cattle. This is obviously beneficial to the cattle, which are quite happy to have them around. They differ from Little Egrets mainly in the colour of their bill. Little Egrets have a black bill, Cattle Egrets have a yellow bill. In summer plumage, Cattle Egrets have peach coloured patches on their head, chest and back (as in the first photos). The one below was photographed in December and has lost its summer peach colours.