Breeding...

……………………………......….Plumes



New Zealand’s White Heron - otherwise known by the Maori name of Kōtuku.


This magnificent bird was found sitting on the wharf at Mapua today. During the breeding season they grow these lacy feathers. The normally yellow bill turns a dull black and the facial skin between the eye and bill brightens to a bluish green.

This birds looks so much better in large!