SPECIAL EXHIBIT AT MUSEUM

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21465, 6 May 1935, Page 12

SPECIAL EXHIBIT AT MUSEUM

THE WHITE AND THE BLUE. HERONS

This week's special exhibit at the Canterbury Museum consists of specimens of Ihe two herons commonly found in New Zealand, the white egret or heron, and the blue heron. The former is a most beautiful bird, which is widely spread over the old world. It is, however, somewhat rare in New Zealand, and the only known breeding place is on trees overhanging a slow-running stream near the Okarito lagoon, Westland. It is usually seen in pairs on lagoons and estuaries in various parts of the country; its food consists of small fish, which it seizes with lightning-like strokes of its bill. It has a well-developed dorsal Irnin of plumes, and sometimes head and breast plumes. The plumes were used by the Maoris to adorn the. heads of chieftains, both when Jiving and alter death, and were kept in beautifully carved boxes. The blue heron is found on sheltered, rocky coasts, where it feeds on small fishes and crabs. Its nest consists of a few sticks and is usually constructed in a cave near the sea. Its general colour is a slaty grey, with white patches on the chin a/id neck. ■T'his bird was called by the Maoris "matuku," while the white heron was called "kotuku." Three other herons have been reported from New Zealand waters: the grey, the nankeen night heron, and ihe white-faced All of these ore stragglers from Australia. The first has been seen only once, the second once or twice, and the third several times. In Australia it preys on grassiioppcrs and similar insect pests, so its visits and stay here should be encouraged.