New Zealand, Oct 2024

This was a family holiday, not a birding expedition, so photography was on an 'ad hoc' basis.

I shouldn’t have been, but I was stunned by the birding situation in NZ. The introduction of rats, stoats, cats and possums has devastated the native bird life, which evolved without exposure to many natural predators. On top of these challenges, the European settlers introduced an array of familiar birds to out compete the local fauna e.g. Blackbirds, Swallows, Starlings, Song Thrush, Yellowhammers and Mallards.  Really sad to see.

Seabirds

We had good views of seabirds from the whale watching boat from Kaikoura, although I'm not sure of the species level ID. 

    Albatross

      Shearwater

      Petrel

Banded Dotterel

The Banded Dotterel (also known as the Double-banded Plover) is a small, native shorebird found throughout New Zealand.  These birds inhabit coastal areas, estuaries, riverbeds, and sandy beaches, often nesting on open ground. Banded Dotterels are seasonal migrants, with some traveling to Australia or the South Pacific during the winter, while others remain in New Zealand year-round. They feed primarily on insects, worms, and small crustaceans. 

Bellbird

Anthornis melanura, known as the Bellbird (or Korimako), is a native songbird found throughout New Zealand's forests, parks, and gardens. It is recognized by its olive-green plumage and distinctive, melodious bell-like call. The Bellbird feeds mainly on nectar, along with fruit and insects, making it an important pollinator. Although once threatened by habitat loss and introduced predators, its population has recovered well in many areas due to ongoing conservation efforts.

Black Swan

Cygnus atratus, known as the Black Swan, is a large waterbird found in lakes, rivers, and coastal wetlands throughout New Zealand. Originally from Australia, it was introduced to New Zealand in the 1860s, although it may have arrived naturally earlier.  It primarily feeds on aquatic plants and is now a common and widespread species across the country.

California Quail

Allipepla californica, known as the California Quail, is a small introduced game bird found throughout New Zealand, particularly in open woodlands, farmland, and scrublands. Introduced from North America in the 1860s, it feeds on seeds, insects, and leaves. 

Spotted Dove

Spilopelia chinensis, known as the Spotted Dove, is an introduced bird found in urban areas, gardens, and parks, primarily in northern New Zealand. It is recognized by its light brown plumage, distinctive black-and-white spotted neck collar, and gentle cooing call. Native to Southeast Asia, the Spotted Dove was introduced to New Zealand in the early 1900s and has established small but stable populations, mainly in warmer regions. It feeds on seeds, grains, and small invertebrates.

Fantail

Rhipidura fuliginosa, known as the Fantail (or Pīwakawaka), is a small, native bird widely found across New Zealand in forests, gardens, and wetlands. The Fantail has a distinctive, chirpy call and varied plumage, ranging from grey and white to the less common black morph. It is adaptable and common throughout the country, often following people to catch insects disturbed by their movement.

Grey Warbler

Gerygone igata, known as the Grey Warbler (or Riroriro), is a small, native songbird found throughout New Zealand in forests, scrublands, and gardens. It has grey-brown plumage, a pale underside, and a thin, high-pitched warbling call. The Grey Warbler feeds primarily on insects and is known for its distinctive hanging, dome-shaped nests. As one of New Zealand’s most widespread and common native birds, it plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations.

Kea

Nestor notabilis, commonly known as the Kea, is a highly intelligent, alpine parrot native to New Zealand. Found primarily in the South Island’s mountainous regions, Kea are known for their playful and curious nature. They are also recognized as one of the few parrot species that thrive in cold climates. Kea are omnivorous and are considered a nationally endangered species due to habitat loss, human conflict, and predation.

Kererū

The New Zealand Pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae), also known as "kererū" or "wood pigeon," is a large, native bird found across New Zealand's forests, parks, and gardens. It has a striking iridescent green and bronze plumage with a white underbelly. Kererū play a crucial role in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds of native trees, including large-fruited species. They primarily feed on fruits, leaves, and flowers. Though still common in some areas, their populations are threatened by habitat loss and predation.

New Zealand Pipit

The New Zealand Pipit (Anthus novaeseelandiae) is a small, ground-dwelling bird found throughout New Zealand's open habitats, including grasslands, coastal areas, and alpine regions. It has a brown streaked plumage, long tail, and slender build, which help it blend into its environment. Known for its distinctive high-pitched call, the pipit feeds on insects and small invertebrates. Unlike some other native birds, it remains relatively common across the country.

Paradise Shelduck

The Paradise Shelduck (Tadorna variegata), known as "pūtangitangi" in Māori, is a large, native waterfowl commonly found throughout New Zealand. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males having black plumage and females displaying a distinctive white head and chestnut body. Often seen in pairs or small groups, it inhabits wetlands, farmland, and open grasslands. The species feeds on grasses, seeds, and aquatic plants and has adapted well to human-altered landscapes, making it widespread and common.

Pied Stilt

The Pied Stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus) is a slender, long-legged wading bird commonly found in wetlands, estuaries, and coastal areas across New Zealand. It has a black-and-white plumage with a black back and wings, and long pink legs. Pied Stilts feed on insects, crustaceans, and small aquatic animals, often seen foraging in shallow waters. They are social birds, typically forming flocks outside the breeding season, and are widespread and abundant throughout the country.

Sacred Kingfisher

Todiramphus sanctus, known as the Sacred Kingfisher, is a widespread bird found throughout New Zealand in coastal, forest, and farmland areas. It has a distinctive green-blue back, buff underparts, and a broad beak. The Sacred Kingfisher is known for its sharp "kek-kek-kek" call and its diet, which includes insects, small fish, and crustaceans. It is a protected native species and remains relatively common across its range

Scaup

The New Zealand Scaup (Aythya novaeseelandiae), also known as "pāpango," is a small, diving duck native to New Zealand. It has a dark, glossy plumage with males showing a distinctive iridescent green head, while females are brown. Commonly found on lakes, ponds, and sheltered wetlands, Scaups feed on aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish. They are strong divers and often seen in flocks. 

Pied Shag

The Pied Shag (Phalacrocorax varius), also known as the Karuhiruhi, is a native cormorant found along New Zealand's coastlines, estuaries, and lakes. It has striking black and white plumage, with a long hooked bill and yellow facial skin.  They often nest in colonies in trees or on rocky ledges. While common in coastal areas, they are less abundant inland, and their populations are sensitive to habitat disturbance.

Little Shag

The Little Shag (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos), also known as the Little Pied Cormorant, is a common waterbird found throughout New Zealand's lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. It has a variable plumage, often black and white, with some individuals entirely black.  Adaptable to different habitats, they are widespread and commonly seen across the country.

Silvereye

Zosterops lateralis, known as the Silvereye (or Tauhou), is a small, native bird found throughout New Zealand in forests, gardens, and orchards. It is recognized by its olive-green plumage, white eye-ring, and slender beak. The Silvereye feeds on insects, fruit, and nectar, playing an important role in pollination and seed dispersal. It naturally arrived from Australia in the 1850s and is now one of New Zealand's most common and adaptable bird species.

Spur winged Plover

Vanellus miles, commonly known as the Spur-winged Plover (or Masked Lapwing), is a large, ground-dwelling bird found throughout New Zealand, often in open grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas. Introduced naturally from Australia in the 1930s, it has adapted well to New Zealand's environment and is now widespread and common.

Swamp Harrier

The swamp harrier, known as kāhu in Māori, is a large bird of prey commonly found across New Zealand. It has a distinctive long tail, broad wings, and is often seen gliding low over wetlands, grasslands, and farmlands. It primarily hunts small mammals, birds, and carrion. 

Swamphen

The Swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus), known locally as "pūkeko," is a common, large waterbird found throughout New Zealand's wetlands, farmlands, and grasslands. Pūkeko are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plants, insects, and small animals. They are social birds, often seen in groups, and are known for their loud calls and territorial behavior. Adaptable and resilient, they thrive in both natural and modified environments across the country.

Tui

Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae, known as the Tui, is a native bird of New Zealand found in forests, gardens, and parks across the country. It has distinctive glossy blue-green plumage with a unique white throat tuft. Tui are known for their loud, complex calls and mimicry, often incorporating clicks, cackles, and bell-like notes. They feed primarily on nectar but also eat fruits and insects, playing a key role in pollination. Tui populations are stable.

White faced Heron

Egretta novaehollandiae, known as the White-faced Heron, is a common and widespread wetland bird in New Zealand. The White-faced Heron feeds on fish, insects, and small invertebrates, adapting well to both coastal and urban environments. It is a self-introduced species from Australia and has established a stable population throughout New Zealand.