The White Heron, sometimes called the Great Egret and called Kotuku in Maori, is one of the rarest birds in New Zealand. Although they are found world wide, they mostly stay in their country of birth. The Kotuku have a breeding ground in South Westland, New Zealand. Because both Europeans and Maori hunted them, there are only 100 to 150 left in New Zealand.
Habitat
The White Heron have a protected breeding ground but after breeding they spread out over New Zealand. They mostly live in wetlands but have been found in harbours and estuaries. Description The White Heron has white plumage with a yellow beak, in breeding season however, their beak turns grey and they grow long feathers on their back. The White Heron has a long neck and can stand up to a metre high. Diet White Heron eat small fish, eels, frogs, shrimp, aquatic insects, mice and small birds (such as silvereyes). Threats Natural things like early storms or lack of food will influence the White Herons breeding. Habitat loss and the invasion of toxic plants also influence the wetlands where they live. Stoats, Possums and Harrier Hawks all threaten the White Heron at breeding time but the most common of death is cars. White Herons will fly slow and low when taking off and will often get hit by a car. The White Herons conservation status is Threatened: Nationally Critical. |
What can we do to help?
When you are driving be careful, especially around their habitat areas. Eliminating predators like Stoats and Possums by setting traps for them will also help the White Heron. One of the other areas of concern is loss of habitat. We can try to stop draining wetlands and start re-establishing large wetland areas. Also, try to stop anyone poaching them and if you see a sick, injured or dead White Heron contact the Department of Conservation.
References
Department of Conservation: https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/white-heron-kotuku/
New Zealand Birds Online: http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/white-heron
Rare Species: https://rarespecies.nzfoa.org.nz/species/white-heron/
Animal Diversity Web: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ardea_alba/classification/
When you are driving be careful, especially around their habitat areas. Eliminating predators like Stoats and Possums by setting traps for them will also help the White Heron. One of the other areas of concern is loss of habitat. We can try to stop draining wetlands and start re-establishing large wetland areas. Also, try to stop anyone poaching them and if you see a sick, injured or dead White Heron contact the Department of Conservation.
References
Department of Conservation: https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/white-heron-kotuku/
New Zealand Birds Online: http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/white-heron
Rare Species: https://rarespecies.nzfoa.org.nz/species/white-heron/
Animal Diversity Web: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ardea_alba/classification/