Self introduced from Australia the White-faced Heron is now the most common heron having benefited from the widespread conversion of forest to farmland.

This slim bluish-grey heron has a white face, chin and upper throat, and a black bill and greenish-yellow legs.  Strap-shaped plumes are long and pale grey on the back and short and pinkish brown on the chest.  The call is a guttural croak.

The diet is fish, frogs and tadpoles, aquatic and pasture insects, spiders, earthworms and mice.

Breeding is between June and February with the peak about October.  The nest is an untidy bundle of sticks and twigs usually high up in large trees.  Both adults incubate for about 26 days and usually 2 chicks are raised and fed by both parents.

Occasionally seen on Tiri.

Photography by: Max McRae © (left) and by Dr Kerry Rodgers © ( right)

References: Heather, B.D.; Robertson, H.A. 2000 The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. Auckland, Viking.