The white-faced heron (Egretta novaehollandiae novaehollandiae) is called matuku moana in Māori. The long strappy feathers on its back are much more pronounced in the breeding season. Both males and females have these nuptial plumes and use them in courtship displays. They also have short pinky brown plumes on their chest in the breeding season, almost like they’ve been shot through the heart and can’t wash the blood out of their feathers.
Heron on the estuary
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