New Zealand Birds

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. *

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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. *

white heron 37806 Ardea modesta hunting