Kotuku Photo: DOC
In honour of ANZAC day - a bird we share with Australia (and South East Asia), the beautiful white heron (Eastern great egret).
In New Zealand it only breeds near Whataroa, South Westland, between September and January. This colony is in the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve and guided jet boat tours take visitors to view the birds from an observation hide.
During the breeding season time, the birds feed in the large coastal lagoons in the area, particularly the nearby Ōkārito Lagoon.
After breeding, the birds disperse widely and may be seen at coastal freshwater wetlands or estuaries throughout the country.
