AGM 2019
Date posted: 09-Sep-2019
Our Annual General Meeting was held at 7:30 pm on Monday 23rd September at the F..
More plaudits for Tiritiri Matangi
Date posted: 15-Jul-2019
Recognition of the wonderful experience visitors have when visiting the Island h..
Results of the 2019 Photo Competition
Date posted: 15-Jul-2019
The results of this year's competition have now been decided. Click here (/2019-photo-co..
Lighthouse Open Day
Date posted: 30-Apr-2019
Our historic lighthouse, signal station and diaphonic foghorn will all be on dis..
We need a new Treasurer
Date posted: 08-Apr-2019
The Supporters need a new treasurer to take over in September when Kevin Vaughan..
2019 Concert
Date posted: 05-Feb-2019
OrigiNZ, the tartan taonga are returning for the 2019 concert.
Click..
Tiri's three unique foghorns
Date posted: 01-Feb-2019
Our next social event will take place on Monday 18th March when Carl Hayson and ..
Young Conservation Superstars win awards!
Date posted: 27-Jan-2019
Gabriel Barbosa and teacher Kate Asher, a team leader who co..
Entries for the 2019 photo competition
Date posted: 19-Jan-2019
We are now taking entries for the 2019 photographic competition. You can enter u..
Hihi volunteer needed
Date posted: 18-Oct-2018
Would you like to volunteer with the Island's hihi team and learn from them how ..
Reef Heron
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Scientific name: |
Egretta sacra sacra |
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Maori Name: |
Matuku-moana |
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Conservation status |
Threatened, Nationally endangered |
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Mainland status: |
Most common in Northland, decreasing southward |
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Size: |
66cm, 400g |
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Lifespan: |
14 years |
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Breeding: |
September - January |
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Diet: |
Small fish, crabs and molluscs |
The reef heron occurs in grey and white forms, but only the grey phase occurs in New Zealand. This slate-grey heron has a long heavy horn-coloured to yellowish bill and short yellow-green legs. In the breeding season, long plumes form on the neck and back. The call is a guttural croak when disturbed or at the nest.
The Reef Heron eats mainly small fish, including eels and flounder, crabs and molluscs caught along rocky shores and tidal inlets where they live.
Breeding takes place between September and January. The nest, which is a platform of sticks and twigs, is built on rock ledges in caves or rock crevices, in clumps of flax or among the roots of pohutukawa. The two to four pale turquoise coloured eggs are incubated by both sexes for 25-28 days. Chicks fledge when 5-6 weeks old.
Reef Heron are decreasing in numbers due to increased human disturbance on the coast. They are seen on the rocks around Tiritiri and have been known to nest on the Island, including the 2013-2014 season when two chicks were raised.
Learn more about the reef heron at New Zealand Birds Online.
Photography by: Ian Southey © (right) and Dr Kerry Rodgers © (left)
References: Heather, B.D.; Robertson, H.A. 2000 The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. Auckland, Viking. Moon, G The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Birds.