The image shows a bird standing on a rock. The bird has a striking appearance with a black head and neck, and a white throat and chest. Its back and wings are dark, possibly black or dark brown, with some white markings. The bird's beak is long and slightly curved, and it has a distinctive yellow patch near its eye. Its legs and feet are pinkish. The background is blurred, with hints of green and brown, suggesting a natural outdoor setting.

Kawau Pāteketeke

This post is a contribution by Patrick Lam.

Patrick likes seeing Kākā out the window in Pōneke.

Photo copyright © Patrick Lam, 2022.


The Kawau Pāteketeke (New Zealand King Shag, Leucocarbo carunculatus) is endemic to the Marlborough Sounds of Aotearoa New Zealand. After tramping the Queen Charlotte Track from Ship Cove back to Anakiwa and getting back to Picton, we then took a boat ride all the way back out to Motuara Island, seeing these birds along the way. You can see a bunch of “regular” Kawau Tikitiki (Spotted Shags) on the rocks, hanging around, and then the Kawau Pāteketeke comes stomping up the rock and takes its rightful place.


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