A rare bird Rare in New Zealand, with a population of just 100–120 birds, the elegant white heron or kōtuku (Egretta alba modesta) is nevertheless common in India, Japan, China and Australia. With a long, slender neck, yellow bill and thin legs, white herons grow to 92 centimetres in length and 900 grams in weight. In flight their long neck is held kinked. During breeding their bill darkens and a veil of fine feathers extends beyond the folded wings and tail, accentuating their graceful profile.

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Size: 1772px × 1410px
Photo credit: © ART Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: alba, birds, creatures, dmc-fz200, egretta, flickr, herons, modesta, panasonic, pdp, photograph, water, white, zealand