Kōtuku ngutupapa, royal spoonbill

are self-introduced from Australia

Where you can find them:

In estuaries and wetlands around Aotearoa as well as Australia and some Pacific Islands. You can see them at Ōkorewa Lagoon, Kiriwai Lagoon, Boggy Pond and Wairio.

What they look like:

A large white bird with a black shovel-like beak. During breeding season you may see them display their punky white crest.

Did you know:

They have vibration detectors in their bill which let them know when prey is around when the water is murky.