A protected royal spoonbill/ kōtuku ngutupapa has been euthanised after it was found with a shotgun pellet injury to one of its wings.

DOC Hauraki Biodiversity Ranger Rachel Langman said a farmer at Pipiroa, near Thames, discovered the injured bird on his property on Wednesday May 7.

The farmer contacted DOC and suggested the bird had been shot - which was confirmed by a subsequent veterinary assessment.

The bird was euthanised on Friday, May 9, based on veterinary advice. X-rays revealed a shattered wing joint where shotgun pellets were found.

“The bird was quite underweight so we believe it may have been injured for several days before it was found,” Langman said.

“This beautiful and defenceless animal has suffered for some time after it was shot.”

Royal spoonbills are protected under the Wildlife Act, and hunting or killing a protected species can result in a fine of up to $100,000 or two years in prison.

Anyone who knows about the incident is urged to call 0800 DOC HOT, or email [email protected], and quote case number CLE-9126.

Royal Spoonbills. Photo/Supplied.

Fish & Game Auckland / Waikato Chief Executive David Klee said shooting protected birds – including this incident – is unacceptable.

“Hunters must clearly identify their target and there is no excuse for shooting a royal spoonbill, which bears no resemblance to waterfowl species that can be legally hunted,” Klee said.

“Our Code of Conduct states licence holders must ensure they can accurately identify and distinguish game birds from protected species. We have detailed guides in our regulation handbook of the species you can and can’t target.”

He echoed the call for people to report any information about this incident – or any others in which hunters shoot protected species.

“All hunters should follow the rules. We have very few incidents like this, but it can bring everyone in the hunting community into disrepute,” Klee said.

“Law-abiding hunters – it’s in your interest to report these few rule-breakers.”

A Royal Spoonbill. Photo/Supplied.

Fish & Game compliance officers have been working alongside DOC staff since the opening of the duck hunting season to ensure hunters are following widely publicised rules for their sport.

A Fish & Game compliance team is on call at weekends and will investigate any incidents.

Warranted Fish & Game officers and Rangers perform thousands of checks across the duck hunting season. Incidents of this nature are very rare, and anyone with information is encouraged to pass it on to Fish & Game or DOC so the agencies can investigate.

Royal spoonbills are a mobile species found in increasing numbers around New Zealand, and are identifiable through their unique bill, long black legs and white plumage.

They feed by distinctively swishing their bill from side to side, while wading through shallow water.