11001-37806 White heron (Ardea alba modesta) fishing. The tallest of our native birds, the white heron was important to Maori, partly because of its rarity, but also for the importance of its striking white breeding plumes. Unfortunately once Europeans arrived the demand for plumes increased further. Birds were slaughtered indiscriminately during the breeding season so that the elegant feathers could adorn fashionable ladies hats. *
11001-38804 Eastern cattle egret (Ardea ibis coromanda) widespread throughout South-east Asia. This species began reaching Australia around 1948, and from there has been an annual migrant to NZ since about 1963. Recent flock sizes however have declined again *
11001-37509 White-faced heron (Egretta novaehollandiae) stalking harbour edge. Otago Harbour *
