Reef heron
matuku moana · Egretta sacra
Usually seen alone on rocky points and around rock pools at low tide.
Story
Only 300–500 reef herons live in New Zealand, most often seen on northern North Island coasts. The surveyed populations have been stable for 40 years, yet the species is ranked Nationally Endangered.
Behaviour
This dark grey heron of the rocky shore stalks rock pools on the falling or low tide, catching small fish, crustaceans and worms. It nests in dark spots near the ground, such as rocky caverns and under old bridges.