Known in New Zealand as Kōtuku or White Heron, Ardea alba modesta is the smallest of the Great Egret species, which occurs from India, to Japan, to New Zealand. New Zealand only has a population of 150-200 birds and they only breed in one spot, over 400km from where I live. However, after breeding they disperse around some parts of the country so there is a small chance to see them in many places, as I recently did only 40km away.
They are an elegant bird, standing nearly a metre tall, so the opportunity to get close is awe inspiring. Their snow-white plumage inspired me to apply this contrasty look with strong detail in the bright feathers.
They disperse widely after breeding so may well make it to Auckland. When you say grey heron, I assume you are referring to the most populous heron in NZ, the White-faced Heron, however, keep an eye out on rocky shorelines and mangroves for the Reef Heron. They’re not quite as rare as the White Heron, but far more likely in your part of the country.
They’re about the same size as the White-faced but darker and, in my experience, tend not to stand up straight as much.
