Cattle Egret

Cattle egret is a small white Australian migrant that reaches New Zealand each autumn and usually feeds among livestock. The stocky white bird has a short neck, yellow bill and grey legs; breeding traces are ginger on crown, neck and back. Kōtuku is much larger and far longer-necked.

Winter flocks occur in lowland pasture, including Kaipara Harbour, Rangiriri, Lake Ellesmere, Tasman Bay and Inch Clutha. Birds follow cattle and sheep to catch disturbed earthworms, grass grubs and moth larvae; breeding is not confirmed in New Zealand.

Cattle egret is a Migrant under the NZ Threat Classification. Traditional wintering paddocks near Kaipara Harbour, Rangiriri and Lake Ellesmere offer the best chance from autumn to spring.