White Heron

Maori Name: Kotuku

Egretta alba modesta

 

White heron (Egretta alba modesta) is the largest of the white heron subspecies. Its range is India, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. It is a rare bird in New Zealand, since it is geographically and climatically near the extreme limits of its range. New Zealand’s sole breeding population was discovered in 1865 on the banks of the Waitangiroto River just beyond the northern end of Okarito Lagoon in South Westland. 

Demand for feathers for Maori headdress and women’s hats led to the demise of the Waitangiroto colony, and by 1941 only four nests were found, leading to the establishment of a reserve. Protection of the breeding site has increased the population to around 120, producing 25-50 chicks in recent season.  

The birds begin arriving at the site in mid September and begin their elaborate courtship displays. The first chicks hatch in mid October. Many of the chicks leave the nests in December and January, the last of which fledge in early April.  

Permits are required to access the breeding colony  White Heron Sanctuary Tours offer the only guided trip into this area.  White herons can also be viewed in their nearby feeding grounds at Okarito Lagoon with tours being offered there by Okarito Nature Tours and Okarito Boat Tours.

 Location:               Whataroa/Waitangi-roto River to view the breeding colony (through White Heron Sanctuary Tours) and Okarito Lagoon to view the birds in their feeding habitat. 

Breeding season:         Mid September until early April

Recommended:            Weather gear for rain or sunhats/sunscreen.  Binoculars and cameras.

Other opportunities:       White herons can be spotted spontaneously (usually singly) in estuaries and lagoons on the West Coast and occasionally as far away as Christchurch.