The White-faced Heron (Matuku moana, Egretta novaehollandiae) is a widespread native, but I was surprised to learn it only self-introduced to Aoteoroa New Zealand in the 1940s! This recent appearance probably explains why the Māori name is the same applied to the less common Reef Heron (Egretta sacra).

These birds can be found throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, on coasts rivers, lakes, and farmland. This one was captured flying over the Pāuatahanui Inlet near Wellington, at one of my favourite coastal birding spots — Motukaraka Point.