Birds of the
Waitangiroto Nature Reserve

While visiting the Kōtuku, discover the wider birdlife

The Kōtuku (White Heron) is the main attraction — and the ‘star of the show’ — but visitors are often delighted by the diverse native birdlife that may be seen throughout the ancient rainforest of the protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve and across the surrounding rivers and wetlands.

Our guided tours provide the opportunity to observe the Kōtuku in a near-predator-free environment, with a variety of other native birdlife complementing the experience.

Every visit directly contributes to the ongoing conservation of the Kōtuku and its sole New Zealand breeding ground.

Help us protect the Kōtuku and all the manu that share its home

All birdlife is observed ethically and respectfully during our tours, ensuring minimal disturbance

Kōtuku
White Heron

Beautiful, graceful and deeply revered throughout Aotearoa, the Kōtuku is one of the country's rarest breeding birds, with an estimated population of only 150–200 individuals.

Order: Pelecaniformes
Scientific name: Ardea alba modesta
Also known as: Great Egret, Eastern Great Egret
Origin: Native
Conservation status: Nationally Critical (New Zealand Threat Classification System)
Height: Up to 1 metre
Weight: 900gm–1 kg
Wingspan: 1.5–1.7 metres
Estimated lifespan: Approximately 15–20 years
Food: Primarily fish, along with eels, frogs, aquatic insects, small crustaceans and occasionally small birds and mice.
Best time to see: Mid-September to early March at Aotearoa's only Kōtuku breeding colony.
Interesting fact: The Kōtuku has only one nesting site in all of New Zealand, located within the protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.

Identification:

The Kōtuku is a tall, elegant bird with long black legs, a long slender neck and a long, sharp bill. During the breeding season, adults develop delicate ornamental plumes across their back, their bill changes from yellow to black, and the skin around the eyes becomes a striking emerald-green. Chicks hatch covered in soft white down before gradually developing juvenile plumage. Young birds have a yellow bill and do not develop the full adult breeding plumage, ornamental plumes or emerald-green facial skin until they reach maturity. Habitat: As wading birds, Kōtuku inhabit shallow freshwater wetlands, lagoons, rivers, estuaries and coastal waterways throughout New Zealand outside the breeding season. Each spring and summer, the entire New Zealand breeding population returns to the protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve in South Westland to nest amongst the ancient Kahikatea rainforest. Feeding: A patient and highly skilled hunter, the Kōtuku slowly stalks through shallow water before striking with its sharp bill to catch prey. Its diet consists mainly of fish but also includes eels, frogs, insects, crustaceans and other small aquatic animals. Kōtuku are usually solitary feeders, foraging across a variety of freshwater and coastal wetlands throughout Aotearoa. Calls and Vocalisations: Kōtuku are generally quiet birds, becoming more vocal during the breeding season. They communicate with low croaks, rattles and harsh squawks around the nesting colony, particularly during courtship, territorial displays and when greeting their mates or chicks. Breeding: Each spring, the entire New Zealand breeding population returns to the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve to nest. Pairs build loose platform stick nests in a variety of vegetation, including tree ferns, Pigeonwood, Kāmāhi and kiekie. Females usually lay two to four pale blue-green eggs. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Chicks typically fledge after around 10–12 weeks but continue relying on their parents for food before becoming independent. Main Threats: Kōtuku face threats from introduced predators, habitat loss, human disturbance, declining wetland habitats, changing river conditions, reduced food availability, occasional collisions with vehicles and severe weather during the breeding season. Their small breeding population also makes the species particularly vulnerable to disease, environmental change, natural disasters and predation by birds of prey such as the Swamp Harrier (Kāhu) at the nesting colony.

For further information about the Kōtuku visit our webpage

About the White Heron

Kōtuku Ngutupapa
Royal Spoonbill

Royal Spoonbills were first recorded breeding in New Zealand alongside the Kōtuku at the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve in 1949, where a small colony continues to breed today.

Order: Pelecaniformes

Scientific name: Platalea regia

Also known as: Australian Spoonbill

Origin: Native, self-introduced

Conservation status: Naturally Uncommon (NZTCS)

Height: 75–90 cm

Weight: 1.2–2 kg

Wingspan: 1.2–1.35 metres

Estimated lifespan: Approximately 15–20 years

Food: Fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans, worms and other small aquatic animals

Best time to see: October to February at the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve

Interesting fact: While Royal Spoonbills often nest close to the ground or in low vegetation elsewhere in New Zealand, the birds at the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve nest high in the tops of Kahikatea trees above and around the Kōtuku nesting site.

Identification:

The Royal Spoonbill is a large white wading bird with sturdy black legs and a distinctive black spoon-shaped bill. During the breeding season, adults develop long white crest feathers extending from the back of the head and a bright red patch across the forehead. Juveniles have plain black facial skin, dark eyes and lack the breeding features of adults, with the yellow facial markings above the eyes developing as they mature. Habitat: Royal Spoonbills are found throughout New Zealand and inhabit a wide range of freshwater and coastal wetlands, including estuaries, lagoons, rivers, lakes, marshes and tidal mudflats. They favour shallow waters where food is plentiful. During the breeding season, many gather at colony sites such as the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. Feeding: Royal Spoonbills feed by sweeping their specialised bill from side to side through shallow water. Sensitive nerve endings inside the bill detect prey, allowing them to snap it shut almost instantly before swallowing their catch. Calls & Vocalisations: Royal Spoonbills are generally quiet birds. During the breeding season, they produce low grunts, croaks and bill-clattering sounds when interacting with mates, defending nests and feeding chicks. Breeding: Royal Spoonbills nest in colonies. At Waitangiroto, they build large nests from sticks and vegetation high in the tops of kahikatea trees. Females typically lay two to four chalky white eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties. Chicks fledge after approximately seven to eight weeks and continue to rely on their parents for food before becoming fully independent. Behaviour: Royal Spoonbills are highly social birds and are often seen feeding, bathing and roosting in groups. During the breeding season, they perform elaborate courtship displays, raising their head plumes and clattering their bills. Main Threats: Royal Spoonbills are affected by wetland loss and degradation, declining water quality, introduced predators, birds of prey such as Swamp Harriers, disturbance at breeding colonies and severe weather, which can reduce nesting success.

Kawaupaka
Little Shag

Breeding alongside the Kōtuku, the Little Shag is a sleek and agile wetland bird known for its remarkable diving ability. Its striking black and white plumage and distinctive breeding crest give it a distinctive appearance.

Order: Suliformes

Scientific name: Microcarbo melanoleucos brevirostris

Also known as: White-throated Shag, Little Pied Shag, Little Pied Cormorant

Origin: Native

Conservation status: At Risk – Relict (NZTCS)

Height: 55–65 cm

Weight: 500–700 g

Wingspan: 80–95 cm

Estimated lifespan: Approximately 8–15 years

Food: Primarily fish, along with small crustaceans and aquatic insects

Best time to see: October to January at the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.

Interesting fact: Unlike ducks, Little Shags do not have completely waterproof feathers, which is why they are often seen drying their wings after diving.

Identification:

The Little Shag is recognised by its small size, black feet, short stubby yellow bill and long-tailed silhouette. It has the most variable plumage of any New Zealand shag. Most adults nesting at the White Heron nesting site are the white-throated form, with white around the face and throat, black upperparts, and a mottled black-and-white belly. Little Shag nestlings have bare black skin, with a pink scalp and throat. They then develop a black downy stage with a salmon-pink throat pouch before gradually acquiring juvenile plumage. Juveniles are predominantly black, with a dark bill that gradually turns yellow as they mature. Habitat: The Little Shag is one of New Zealand's smallest shag species and is a familiar sight around wetlands throughout the country. Kawaupaka inhabit both freshwater and coastal environments, including lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, estuaries and sheltered coastal waters. Feeding: A skilled underwater hunter, Kawaupaka typically makes a succession of short dives, swiftly pursuing fish beneath the surface using its powerful feet to propel itself through the water. Its sharp, hooked bill is used to catch fish, small crustaceans, and aquatic insects. After diving, Kawaupaka is often seen perched with its wings spread to dry its feathers before returning to hunt. Calls & Vocalisations: Kawaupaka are generally quiet birds, becoming more vocal during the breeding season. Males give soft courtship calls, while both parents greet each other with repeated “uh, uh, uh, uh” calls when returning to the nest with food or when changing incubation duties. Breeding: Little Shags build nests from sticks and foliage and nest closely amongst the Kōtuku at the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, likely benefiting from the safety and increased vigilance of the shared colony. Females lay up to five eggs, although typically only one to three chicks are raised. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Chicks typically fledge at around six to seven weeks of age and continue to rely on their parents for food and protection after leaving the nest. Main Threats: Little Shags are affected by wetland loss and degradation, declining water quality, introduced predators, disturbance at breeding colonies, entanglement in fishing gear and severe weather during the breeding season.

Other Birds Commonly Seen and Heard
Click on a bird to learn more

Little Shag, Kawaupaka and Little Black Shags, Kawau Tūī roosting together.

Kawau Tūī, Little Black Shag

Order: Suliformes
Scientific name: Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Also known as: Little Black Cormorant
Origin: Native
Conservation status: At Risk – Relict (NZTCS)

The Little Black Shag is a sleek waterbird, recognised by its glossy black plumage with a greenish sheen, slender grey bill and striking emerald-green eyes.

Adapted to both freshwater and coastal environments, it is a skilled diver, propelling itself beneath the surface with its powerful webbed feet in search of fish and other aquatic prey.

During the breeding season, adults develop small white feathers around the head and neck, while males produce distinctive throaty croaks when returning to the nest.

Small groups of Little Black Shags regularly roost alongside the Kōtuku colony overnight, and in recent years a few pairs have also nested within the colony. Their presence adds to the rich diversity of birdlife found within the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.

Warou, Welcome Swallow

Order: Passeriformes
Scientific name: Hirundo neoxena
Also known as: Welcome Swallow
Origin: Native
Conservation status: Not Threatened (NZTCS)

The Welcome Swallow is a small, graceful bird with a cheerful chatter, often seen sweeping through the air above the Waitangiroto River.

Its long, pointed wings and deeply forked tail allow it to perform agile aerial displays as it catches insects while in flight.

Recognised by its dark blue-black upperparts, rust-brown forehead and throat, and pale underparts, it is a familiar sight across New Zealand.

Welcome Swallows can raise several broods each breeding season, and pairs often return to the same nesting sites. One or two pairs regularly build their mud nests inside the White Heron viewing hide, providing visitors with a special opportunity to observe these charming birds at close range.

A male Bellbird feeding on flowering flax in front of New Zealand's only White Heron nesting site near Whataroa, NZ.

Korimako, New Zealand Bellbird

Order: Passeriformes
Scientific name: Anthornis melanura
Also known as: Kōparapara, NZ Bellbird
Origin: Endemic
Conservation status: Not Threatened (NZTCS)

The Bellbird is one of Aotearoa's most recognisable native songbirds, renowned for its beautiful, melodic bell-like calls that echo throughout forests and gardens.

The male's darker olive-green plumage contrasts with the female's softer green colouring and distinctive pale cheek stripe.

As a native honeyeater, the Bellbird has a long, brush-tipped tongue adapted for collecting nectar from flowering plants, and it plays an important role as a pollinator within the ecosystem.

During spring and summer, Bellbirds are frequently seen and photographed feeding on flowering kōwhai and flax around the Kōtuku nesting site.

A male South Island Tomtit perches for a moment on a mossy branch for visitors to enjoy while on tour in the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.

Ngirungiru, South Island Tomtit

Order: Passeriformes
Scientific name: Petroica macrocephala
Also known as: Tomtit
Origin: Endemic
Conservation status: Not Threatened (NZTCS)

The South Island Tomtit is a small, curious and confiding forest bird often seen darting through the understorey in search of insects and spiders.

Both sexes have a distinctive white wing bar and bright orange feet. The male is striking, with black and yellow plumage, while the female is softer in appearance, with grey-brown upperparts and pale yellow underparts.

During spring and summer, pairs may raise one or two broods. Their well-camouflaged nests usually contain three to four eggs. The female incubates the eggs while the male brings her food, and both parents feed the chicks.

Its clear, high-pitched calls often reveal its presence before it is seen within the ancient rainforest of the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.

Riroriro, Grey Warbler

Order: Passeriformes
Scientific name: Gerygone igata
Also known as: Grey Warbler
Origin: Endemic
Conservation status: Not Threatened (NZTCS)

The Riroriro is one of New Zealand's smallest native birds and one of the most widespread. Despite its tiny size, the male Riroriro is well known for its beautiful, far-carrying song.

With its soft grey-brown plumage and pale underparts, the Riroriro is well camouflaged, moving quickly and unobtrusively through the foliage.

Riroriro build a well-hidden, hanging dome-shaped nest, where the female lays 3–5 eggs. They are the only mainland host of the parasitic Shining Cuckoo, which lays its egg in their nest after removing one of their eggs. Once hatched, the cuckoo chick ejects the remaining eggs or nestlings and is raised by its foster parents.

An active little insectivore, the Riroriro plays an important role in the forest ecosystem of the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.

Two NZ pigeons perched in a Kōwhai tree. Guided eco tour experience at White Heron Sanctuary on New Zealand’s West Coast.

Kererū, New Zealand Pigeon

Order: Columbiformes
Scientific name: Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
Also known as: Kūkupa, NZ Pigeon, Wood Pigeon
Origin: Endemic
Conservation status: Not Threatened (NZTCS)

The Kererū is New Zealand's only native pigeon and one of the country's most important forest birds.

Its iridescent greyish-green and bronze plumage, contrasted with a pure white breast, make it instantly recognisable.

Despite its large size, it is a powerful flier, often heard before it is seen as it sweeps noisily through the forest canopy with its heavy wingbeats.

Commonly seen throughout the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, the Kererū plays a vital role in the rainforest ecosystem by dispersing the seeds of many native trees.

A NZ Fantail, Pīwakawaka balances on an old flax head.

Pīwakawaka, New Zealand Fantail

Order: Passeriformes
Scientific name: Rhipidura fuliginosa
Also known as: Fantail, regional Māori names include Pīwaiwaka, Tīrairaka, Tīwaiwaka
Origin: Endemic
Conservation status: Not Threatened (NZTCS)

Friendly and inquisitive, the Pīwakawaka is one of New Zealand's most familiar and much-loved native birds.

Recognised by its distinctive fanned tail, its acrobatic flight allows it to catch small insects on the wing.

During the breeding season, pairs may raise multiple broods, with both parents sharing nest building, incubation and feeding duties.

It often comes close to people, fluttering alongside and following visitors as they explore the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, catching insects disturbed from leaf litter and vegetation along the way.

Tūī feeding on flowering Kōwhai in West Coast rainforest, South Island, New Zealand.

Tūī, Tui

Order: Passeriformes
Scientific name: Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Also known as: Kōkō, Parson Bird,
Origin: Endemic
Conservation status: Not Threatened (NZTCS)

With its iridescent plumage and distinctive white throat tufts, the Tūī is one of New Zealand's most recognisable native birds and one of our most accomplished songbirds.

Its unique double voice box enables it to produce a remarkable variety of songs, whistles, clicks and calls, including the ability to mimic other birds and sounds from its environment.

As a native honeyeater, the Tūī feeds primarily on nectar from flowering plants such as kōwhai and harakeke (flax), while also eating seasonal fruits, berries and insects. Through nectar feeding and fruit consumption, it plays an important role in pollinating native plants and dispersing seeds throughout native ecosystems.

Bold and often territorial, Tūī are well known for defending favoured food sources from other birds and are frequently seen around the Kōtuku nesting site during tours.

A Kākāriki - expert guided birdwatching tour at Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, West Coast, NZ.

Kākāriki, Yellow Crowned Parakeet

Order: Psittaciformes
Scientific name: Cyanoramphus auriceps
Also known as: Yellow-crowned Parakeet
Origin: Endemic
Conservation status: At Risk – Declining (NZTCS)

Following many years of successful predator control, the vibrant Kākāriki, recognised by its distinctive yellow crown, has recently re-established itself within the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.

Often heard before they are seen, Kākāriki produce a string of lively, high-pitched chatter as they move through the trees in search of seeds, fruit, flowers and insects. Their bright green colouring provides excellent camouflage, while their preference for the forest canopy can make them difficult to spot.

They are often seen flying above the White Heron viewing hide during tours, either in pairs or in small groups of three or four birds.

Kāhu, Swamp Harrier

Order: Accipitriformes
Scientific name: Circus approximans
Also known as: Swamp Harrier, Harrier Hawk
Origin: Native
Conservation status: Not Threatened (NZTCS)

The Kāhu is New Zealand's largest and most widespread bird of prey, recognised by its broad wings, long tail and graceful soaring flight.

Often seen gliding low over wetlands, rivers, farmland and open country, it uses its exceptional eyesight to search for small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and carrion. Although an important scavenger, Kāhu are also skilled hunters.

During the breeding season, Kāhu are one of the natural predators of the Kōtuku and are known to prey on chicks and even newly fledged Kōtuku at the nesting colony.

They are regularly seen soaring above the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, effortlessly riding warm air currents while searching for food.

A Black Swan family glide past the White Heron nesting site.

Kakīānau, Black Swan

Order: Anseriformes
Scientific name: Cygnus atratus
Also known as: Black Swan
Origin: Native, self-introduced
Conservation status: Not Threatened (NZTCS)

The Black Swan is an elegant waterbird recognised by its striking black plumage, long graceful neck, and bright red bill with a pale tip.

Found throughout New Zealand, it inhabits lakes, lagoons, estuaries, rivers and sheltered wetlands, where it feeds mainly on aquatic plants and algae by reaching beneath the water's surface with its long neck.

Pairs form strong, long-lasting bonds and build large nests from reeds and other vegetation. Both parents share incubation duties and care for their cygnets.

A flock of Black Swans resides at the Waitangiroto River mouth, while pairs and family groups are regularly seen on the Waitangiroto River or gliding past the White Heron viewing hide, adding to the tranquillity of the area.

Fernbird, Mātātā seen on tour in the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.

Mātātā, South Island Fernbird

Order: Passeriformes
Scientific name: Poodytes punctatus
Also known as: Fernbird, Southern Fernbird
Origin: Endemic
Conservation status: At Risk – Declining (NZTCS)

The Mātātā is one of New Zealand's more elusive birds, a wetland specialist known for its cryptic nature and mouse-like movements through dense vegetation.

Often heard rather than seen, its distinctive ‘tic-tic’ calls reveal its presence.

Its streaked brown plumage provides excellent camouflage, while its long, ragged-looking tail and strong feet help it move quietly through thick, tangled undergrowth in search of insects, spiders and other small invertebrates.

Mātātā are occasionally heard and seen around the White Heron nesting site, but are more often encountered at our van park.

Two Silvereyes perched side by side enjoying the sunshine in the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, South Westland, New Zealand.

Tauhou, Silvereye

Order: Passeriformes
Scientific name: Zosterops lateralis
Also known as: Whiteye, Wax-eye
Origin: Native
Conservation status: Not Threatened (NZTCS)

Small, lively and easily recognised by its distinctive white eye-ring, the Tauhou is one of New Zealand's most familiar garden and forest birds.

Constantly moving through the trees in search of insects, nectar and fruit, it plays an important role in pollination and seed dispersal.

Pairs defend a small territory and build a neatly woven cup-shaped nest from grasses, fine vegetation and spider web. Both parents share nest building, incubation and raising their young, with two to three clutches possible in a season when conditions are favourable.

Frequently seen throughout the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, these active little birds often forage in small flocks during the cooler months, filling the rainforest with their soft, high-pitched calls.

Female Paradise Shelduck at the White Heron nesting site near Whataroa, New Zealand.

Pūtangitangi, Paradise Shelduck

Order: Anseriformes
Scientific name: Tadorna variegata
Also known as: Paradise Shelduck
Origin: Endemic
Conservation status: Not Threatened (NZTCS)

The Pūtangitangi is one of New Zealand's most recognisable native ducks. The male has a dark head and body with a chestnut breast, while the female is distinguished by her conspicuous white head and chestnut-coloured body.

Often seen in pairs or family groups, Pūtangitangi inhabit wetlands, rivers, lakes, farmland and open grassland throughout New Zealand. They are strong swimmers and grazers, feeding mainly on grasses, aquatic plants, seeds and small invertebrates.

Pūtangitangi form long-term pair bonds, and both parents are highly protective of their young, raising their ducklings in sheltered areas near water. By around two months of age, the ducklings begin developing adult plumage, with young males gradually darkening and young females slowly acquiring their distinctive white head as they mature.

Pūtangitangi are frequently seen around the wetlands, rivers and farmland surrounding the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, with families often seen swimming past the nesting site during spring and early summer.

Pūkeko, Australasian Swamphen

Order: Gruiformes
Scientific name: Porphyrio melanotus
Also known as: Pākura, Australasian Swamphen, Purple Swamphen
Origin: Native
Conservation status: Not Threatened (NZTCS)

The Pūkeko is one of New Zealand's most conspicuous wetland birds, easily identified by its striking blue-black plumage, bright red bill and frontal shield, and red legs.

Although they are capable fliers, Pūkeko often prefer to run and walk, using their long toes to navigate soft ground while searching for seeds, shoots, insects and small aquatic creatures.

Highly social and prolific breeders, Pūkeko commonly live in family groups and can raise multiple chicks during the breeding season.

Frequently seen foraging along roadsides, wetland edges and open grassy areas, they can also be heard before they are seen, with their loud calls carrying across the wetlands in and around the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.