The Pluck of the Kotuku.

In a natural history note (1860) Von Haast recorded the self-defence methods of the white heron. A beautiful Kotuku, of large size, was standing in the water, in a stream on the Matakitaki Plains, Buller Valley, when it was attacked by three sparrow hawks at once. “They made frequent but well concerted charges upon him from different quarters. It was admirable to behold the Kotuku, with his head laid back, darting his pointed beak at his foes with the swiftness of an arrow, whilst they, with the utmost agility, avoided the spear of their strong adversary, whom at last they were fain to leave to fish unmolested.”