Great Egret

Kōtuku is a very large white heron whose entire New Zealand breeding population uses one protected Westland colony. Its extremely long neck, long yellow bill, dark legs and gape extending behind the eye distinguish it from smaller white egrets; the breeding bill turns grey-black.

A small number of pairs breed beside the Waitangiroto River north of Ōkārito Lagoon, then disperse to wetlands and estuaries throughout New Zealand. Kōtuku stalk fish, eels, frogs and aquatic invertebrates in shallow water and build stick nests high in tree ferns.

Great egret is Threatened — Nationally Critical (NZ Threat Classification). The single breeding site and low-flying birds’ vulnerability to road strikes are major risks. The licensed breeding-season hide near Ōkārito offers dependable viewing; dispersed birds may appear at major estuaries in winter.