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During a study from January to June 1982, White-faced Herons (Ardea novaehollandiae) visited the mudflats of Pauatahanui Inlet in greatest numbers in summer and declined after April as they dispersed to farmland. When foraging, they were essentially searchers, usually wading and walking, but occasionally standing and waiting for prey. They also used more active feeding methods, disturbing prey by foot-stirring, wing-flicking, and false striking with the bill, and pursuing prey by running, wing-flapping and hopping. How they captured and handled prey depended on the prey species. White-faced Herons maintained variable individual distances using several agonistic displays, including forward and upright displays, chases, fights, and associated calls.