Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Ardeidae
Genus: Egretta
Species: E. sacra
Sub Species: E. sacra sacra
Trinomial name: Egretta sacra sacra
Common names: Reef heron, Pacific egret, eastern reef egret, Matuku Moana
Egretta sacra sacra is an uncommon native wading bird that frequents tidal inlets and rocky shores with rock pools in the North Island in areas with warmer climates.
They feed on small fish, worms and crustaceans that are gathered at low tide, day and night.
Nesting occurs during September to January. The nests are built of sticks and are places on rock ledges, rock crevices, in flaxes and in the roots of coastal trees. Some nests are used year after year. 2 to 3 turquoise eggs are laid and are incubated by both parents.
The bird's length is 60 cm and its weight is about 400 gm. Its plumage is a slate grey which provides the bird with excellent camouflage when it is patrolling the shoreline rocks. Its legs are a greenish-yellow and it long heavy bill is a greyish-yellow.
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