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Kōrero: Herons

Reef heron

Image
Reef heron

Reef herons are found around many New Zealand coasts, but being primarily a tropical species they are more common in Northland and become scarcer further south. They live on rocky shores, mudflats and among mangroves, but not on sandy beaches. When stalking prey they crouch over the water like a coiled spring, suddenly unfurling their neck as they pounce.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10025552

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Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Gerard Hutching, Herons – Other herons, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/6433/reef-heron (accessed 4 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Gerard Hutching, i tāngia i te 2 March 2009.