The weka is one of New Zealand’s iconic large flightless birds. Likely derived from a flighted ancestor, weka are 3-6 times larger than banded rails, which are considered their nearest flying relatives. Weka are charismatic birds that are often attracted to human activity. This makes an encounter with a weka a wildlife highlight for many ...May 29, 2018 · This searchable encyclopaedia of New Zealand birds includes detailed information on all 467 of New Zealand's living, extinct, fossil, vagrant and introduced birds. The database is searchable by …The pied stilt is a dainty wading bird with, as its name suggests, black-and-white coloration and very long legs. It is common at wetlands and coastal areas throughout New Zealand and may be seen feeding alongside oystercatchers. Pied stilts tend to be shy of people and fly away, yapping, when approached.The stitchbird or hihi ( Notiomystis cincta) is a honeyeater -like bird endemic to the North Island and adjacent offshore islands of New Zealand. Its evolutionary relationships have long puzzled ornithologists, but it is now classed as the only member of its own family, the Notiomystidae. It is rare, being extirpated …New Zealand is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors, but before you can start exploring its many attractions, you need to make sure you have the right visa. This guide ...Whiteheads are small songbirds with a compact body, short tail and bill and long legs. The head and underparts are white or whitish. Upperparts, wings and tail are brown-grey. Bill, legs and eyes are dark. Voice: whitehead song is a characteristic viu viu viu zir zir zir zir or canary-like twitter. Several other chirps or chatters are …Sugar water. Sugar water is a great supplementary food for nectar-loving birds like tūī, korimako (bellbirds), and kākā. Sugar water is a great way to supplement food for nectar-loving birds like tūī. Credit: Anna Arrol. To make sugar solution, dissolve half a cup of sugar in four cups of water. The best sugar to water ratio is 1:8.Distribution and Habitat. Starlings occur throughout New Zealand, from sea level to 1500 m altitude, in all open country, on the coast, and in towns. They are absent from alpine areas and native forest, although they may nest at forest edges. Starlings are resident on the Kermadec, Snares, Antipodes, Auckland and Campbell Islands, …The common myna is a native of India, east and west Pakistan and Burma. It was introduced to many Pacific lands, including New Zealand, usually to combat invertebrate pests. Mynas are large, conspicuous passerines. A shiny black head and shoulder plumage merges into vinous brown for the remainder of the body and a …Nov 16, 2023 · Birds in New Zealand. Facts. – The birds often build their nests along the coastline or next to the 31 ________ – In 1984. researchers found that there were 32 …The rifleman is New Zealand's smallest endemic bird, with fully grown adults reaching around 7 to 9 cm (2.8–3.5 in) in length. Male birds typically weigh around 6 g (0.21 oz), females 7 g (0.25 oz). [3] The bill of the female is also longer, as is its hind claw. The difference in between the sexes may be ecological in its origin, …Nov 15, 2023 · New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, came in second with 12,904 votes while the kea, a species of large parrot often described as one of the most intelligent birds in the world, landed in ... Rakiura (Stewart Island) tokoeka. Image: Alina Thiebes | ©. Kiwi. The kiwi is a unique and curious bird: it cannot fly, has loose, hair-like feathers, strong legs and no tail. Learn more about the kiwi, the national icon of New …Are you a job seeker in New Zealand? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the competitive job market? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will discuss some top strate...The New Zealand kākā (Nestor meridionalis) is a large species of parrot of the family Nestoridae found in New Zealand's native forests. The species is often known by the abbreviated name kākā, although it shares this name with the recently extinct Norfolk kākā and Chatham kākā.Two subspecies of New Zealand kākā are recognised. It …Kea birds, also known as Nestor notabilis, are a unique and fascinating species native to the stunning landscapes of New Zealand. These intelligent and mischievous parrots are reno...Nov 30, 2023 · 23. Pacific Black Duck. The Pacific black duck, also referred to as the gray duck in New Zealand, is a type of dabbling duck that can be found in numerous countries ranging from Indonesia to French Polynesia. Its scientific name is Anas superciliosa. In New Zealand, the duck is often called by its Maori name, pārera. Nov 30, 2023 · 23. Pacific Black Duck. The Pacific black duck, also referred to as the gray duck in New Zealand, is a type of dabbling duck that can be found in numerous countries ranging from Indonesia to French Polynesia. Its scientific name is Anas superciliosa. In New Zealand, the duck is often called by its Maori name, pārera. Muttonbirds, or sooty shearwaters, are known to Māori as tītī. These seabirds, according to one 18th-century commentator, taste remarkably like sheep meat. Muttonbirds are harvested by Rakiura (Stewart Island) Māori, the Māori people of New Zealand’s southernmost region. Their cultural legacy includes travelling …Breeding and ecology. The little owl is a small grey-brown-and-white streaked owl that is widespread throughout the drier open country of the eastern and northern South Island. Unlike the morepork, they are often seen perched out in the open during the day. Little owls were introduced to New Zealand from Germany between 1906 and 1910, with the ... Relatively small, brown-black grebe endemic to New Zealand. Note the fine silvery back-swept feathers on the head and the distinctive yellow eyes. Adults are paler in non-breeding plumage. Sexes alike. Can sit quite high on the water; feeds either on the surface or by diving for up to 30 seconds. Frequents freshwater lakes, dams, and ponds. Found mostly across the North Island and in the ... eBird has gone mobile! You can enter your bird sightings on your smartphone by downloading the eBird app for Android or iOS . Forget about sitting at your computer – …The kererū (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) or New Zealand pigeon is a species of pigeon native to New Zealand. Johann Friedrich Gmelin described the bird in 1789 as a large, conspicuous pigeon up to 50 cm (20 in) in length and 550–850 g (19–30 oz) in weight, with a white breast and iridescent green–blue plumage. Two …DURING the past twenty-five or thirty years many reports have been published in regard to the extinction of New Zealand birds, and an impression has gone ...Dec 5, 2023 · 24. Black Robin. The Black robin is an endangered bird native to the Chatham Islands, a group of islands off the east coast of New Zealand. It was first described by Walter Buller in 1872 and its scientific name commemorates Henry H. Travers, a botanist from New Zealand. Nov 15, 2023 · New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, came in second with 12,904 votes while the kea, a species of large parrot often described as one of the most intelligent birds in the world, landed in ... The New Zealand Kea, the world's only alpine parrot is known as the 'Clown of the Alps' to South Islanders; and has recently been heralded as the world’s smartest bird (its intelligence rivals a monkey’s) says the Institute of Cognitive Biology in Vienna. The cheeky Kea, so-called by the call of 'ke-aa' ringing through …A guide to the bird species that were brought to New Zealand and accidentally or purposefully liberated and have formed self sustaining populations. This list is based on the list of "Introduced and Naturailsed" birds from DOC publication ...2 days ago · New Zealand Birds Online - The digital encyclopaedia of New Zealand birds. A collection of images, sound files and information about New Zealand's unique bird species.Common redpolls are small finches with a distinctive red patch on the crown. They were introduced from Britain between 1862 and 1875, and are now common in hill-country throughout much of New Zealand during the breeding season. Redpolls are frequently seen in flocks interspersed with other finches in the lowlands in winter.New Zealand’s pukeko population was estimated to be >600,000 birds in the 1980s. Ecological and Economic Impacts. Pukeko may be hunted under license in New Zealand. While many shot birds are not consumed, the pukeko is underrated as table fare. Their blue breast feathers are prized as fly-tying feathers and for use in Maori cloaks.Oct 29, 2021 · Nigel was the first gannet in 40 years to make his home on Mana, arriving alone in 2013. Stowaway Australian parrot travels 2,300km on New Zealand cruise liner. There he remained, alone. That is ... Bird classification is a fast-changing field, spurred on by advances in the use of molecular biology to help resolve taxonomic and phylogenetic problems. There have been major developments affecting the classification and taxonomy of New Zealand birds since the 2010 Checklist.24. Black Robin. The Black robin is an endangered bird native to the Chatham Islands, a group of islands off the east coast of New Zealand. It was first described by Walter Buller in 1872 and its scientific name commemorates Henry H. Travers, a botanist from New Zealand. See which are the best bird sanctuaries in New Zealand in the list below. 1. Ulva Island – The Best Island Sanctuary in New Zealand. One of the most thriving predator-free island sanctuaries to visit in New Zealand is also one of the hardest to get to. Ulva Island (Te Wharawhara) is just a five-minute ferry journey from the shores of Stewart ... From May 23 to June 14, 2020, New Zealand experienced absolutely zero new coronavirus cases. These numbers stand in stark contrast to the totals coming in from many other countries... New Zealand Birds' Bird gallery links one to in-depth descriptions of almost all of New Zealand's endemic, native, introduced and extinct birds. Antique prints are used throughout to illustrate the birds. New Zealand’s pukeko population was estimated to be >600,000 birds in the 1980s. Ecological and Economic Impacts. Pukeko may be hunted under license in New Zealand. While many shot birds are not consumed, the pukeko is underrated as table fare. Their blue breast feathers are prized as fly-tying feathers and for use in Maori cloaks.The fork-tailed swift is a ‘typical’ swift with scimitar shaped wings and mostly blackish plumage. The rump is white and the throat and upper breast pale grey; the tail is deeply forked. Voice: A shrill scream uttered in flight. Similar species: white-throated needletail has a conspicuous white throat, white horseshoe mark under …Since 1923 Forest & Bird has played a crucial role in preserving New Zealand’s environment and native species. We've helped establish conservation protection for a third of our country’s land mass, put an end to logging our publicly-owned native forests and helped prevent species such as the kakapo and kokako becoming … A lot of it has to do with the lack of that power that makes a bird a bird – the ability to fly. Flightlessness is only one characteristic contributing to the uniqueness of our birds. Many New Zealand birds are also very long-lived, and have slow breeding rates, as well as small clutch sizes and large eggs. Several species are nocturnal, and ... The weka is one of New Zealand’s iconic large flightless birds. Likely derived from a flighted ancestor, weka are 3-6 times larger than banded rails, which are considered their nearest flying relatives. Weka are charismatic birds that are often attracted to human activity. This makes an encounter with a weka a wildlife highlight for many ... New Zealand birds of prey are included in the following taxonomic families: Falconidae: NZ Falcon. Strigidae: Morepork Owl. Tytonidae: Barn Owl. Accipitridae: Swamp Harrier, Kites (NZ vagrant raptor) Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre. New Zealand Native Birds of Prey - NZ Falcon, Swamp Harrier, Morepork, Barn Owl, plus extinct and vagrant ... Today, you will learn about the 14 most COMMON types of birds in New Zealand! *Due to the sheer number of species, there was no way to include every bird in New Zealand in this article. So instead, I tried to focus on the birds that are most regularly seen and observed. #1. Australian Magpie. Nov 14, 2023 · The pūteketeke has been crowned New Zealand's Bird of the Century after US talk show host John Oliver's controversial intervention in the poll. Oliver sparked a global frenzy with an "alarmingly ... RoyalCam was set up in January 2016 by the Department of Conservation and the Cornell Lab has been collaborating with DOC since 2019 to bring the cam to life...NZ's largest Wild Bird Hospital & Rehabilitation Center. We are a charity based in Green Bay, Auckland. We are funded entirely by donations – please help! We care for around 6,000 rescued wild birds every year. Our hospital services the greater Auckland region, extending as far as Northland and the Waikato. We provide phone support and advice ...With fluctuating petrol prices being a topic of concern for many New Zealanders, it’s important to understand the factors that contribute to these changes. From global oil demand t...The New Zealand fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa) is a small insectivorous bird, the only species of fantail in New Zealand.It has four subspecies: R. f. fuliginosa in the South Island, R. f. placabilis in the North Island, R. f. penita in the Chatham Islands, and the now-extinct R. f. cervina formerly on Lord Howe Island.It is also known by its …Welcome To The Bird Barn Petstore. ... The best selection of pets in New Zealand. We are 100% kiwi owned and operated and pride ourselves on friendly customer service, if your in need of pet supplies or a new pet please get in touch with is. Bird Barn Pet Store.People in New Zealand wear a variety of clothing types, including traditional Maori clothing and casual Western wear. The style of clothing often depends on the season. New Zealand...The best bird-watching is two hours either side of high tide and you can find this information and more about our guided tours, accommodation, book shop and what we have on offer to get the …Nov 16, 2023 · Birds in New Zealand. Facts. – The birds often build their nests along the coastline or next to the 31 ________ – In 1984. researchers found that there were 32 …Mar 24, 2023 · Birdwatching in New Zealand is a captivating experience for nature lovers. It has diverse bird species, unique birding areas, and conservation efforts. Iconic birds like kiwi, mischievous kea, and rare takahe can be seen here. Birdwatching organizations and resources provide support and information for those interested. The stitchbird or hihi ( Notiomystis cincta) is a honeyeater -like bird endemic to the North Island and adjacent offshore islands of New Zealand. Its evolutionary relationships have long puzzled ornithologists, but it is now classed as the only member of its own family, the Notiomystidae. It is rare, being extirpated …NZ's largest Wild Bird Hospital & Rehabilitation Center. We are a charity based in Green Bay, Auckland. We are funded entirely by donations – please help! We care for around 6,000 rescued wild birds every year. Our hospital services the greater Auckland region, extending as far as Northland and the Waikato. We provide phone support and advice ...Identify a bird and learn about its ecology, conservation status, and more. The resource includes: detailed information about all 467 species of New Zealand birds, including introduced and extinct species. images and bird call audio. New Zealand Birds Online is a partnership between Te Papa, Birds New Zealand, and the …Aug 28, 2023 · The albatross is one of the most fascinating bird species found in New Zealand. With a wingspan of up to 3.5 meters, it is the largest seabird in the world. These magnificent birds spend most of their lives at sea, only coming to land for breeding. New Zealand is home to more than 10 species of albatross, including the royal albatross, southern ... The eggs are pale greenish blue with brown splotches (39 x 28 mm, 16 g). Females alone incubate the eggs (15-19 days) and broods the nestlings. The male feeds the female and nestlings, which fledge at between 26 and 38 days. Generally rooks start to breed at between 2-3 years of age.The South Island takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri) is a flightless swamphen indigenous to New Zealand and the largest living member of the rail family.It is often known by the abbreviated name takahē, which it shares with the recently extinct North Island takahē.The two takahē species are also known as notornis.. Takahē were hunted …Nov 14, 2023 · The pūteketeke has been crowned New Zealand's Bird of the Century after US talk show host John Oliver's controversial intervention in the poll. Oliver sparked a global frenzy with an "alarmingly ... Meet the bird of the century, the one and only Pūteketeke! The unlikely winner of New Zealand’s “bird of the century” competition hosted by conservation group Forest and Bird, the Pūteketeke had an unexpected ally this year: the United States of America. In a strange turn of events, chat show host John Oliver campaigneThere are four New Zealand records of unidentified cranes: Clevedon, South Auckland (March-May 1947), Punakaiki, Westland (January 1968), Mossburn, Southland (March 2009), and Te Anau Downs, Southland (February 2012). The north Australian population of sarus crane is estimated at about 15,000, while that of the brolga is between 25,000 and …10 best kiwi bird sanctuaries in New Zealand. There are over 20 kiwi bird sanctuaries located throughout New Zealand- here are some of the best places to see kiwis in New Zealand. 1. Kiwi Birdlife Conservation Park, Queenstown. Kiwi Birdlife Conversation Park is a popular place to catch a glimpse of kiwi in …Metalbird New Zealand. 0 NZ USA CAN UK AU NL GER FRA EUR OUR BIRDS OUR PURPOSE BEST SELLERS View All. Login Create an account 0 Transform Your Garden With a Timeless Piece of Art 100% Kiwi Made. 8,375 Reviews ... “Huia Another great bird to add to our collection. Great service, fast delivery and an …New Zealand is considered the seabird capital of the world, with remarkable and unique seabirds. What's that shorebird? A guide to the shorebirds of Aotearoa/New Zealand (PDF, 1,372K) New Zealand is famous for its land birds like the kiwi and kākāpō. But just as remarkable and unique are the seabirds. More than a third of …If you own a caravan in NZ, it’s important to keep its parts in top shape to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience. Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of you...The South Island takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri) is a flightless swamphen indigenous to New Zealand and the largest living member of the rail family.It is often known by the abbreviated name takahē, which it shares with the recently extinct North Island takahē.The two takahē species are also known as notornis.. Takahē were hunted …Takahē. The flightless takahē is a unique bird, a conservation icon and a survivor. Population: Around 500 as of October 2023. New Zealand status: Endemic. Conservation status: Threatened–Nationally Vulnerable. Found in: Native grasslands of Murchison Mountains, Fiordland and Gouland Downs, Kahurangi National Park.Nov 26, 2021 · Birds A - Z. From albatrosses to yellowheads, learn more about some of New Zealand's native birds. Call our emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT ( 0800 362 468) immediately if you see anyone catching, …Kingfisher/kōtare. The kingfisher is a distinctive bird with a green-blue back, buff to yellow undersides and a large black bill. It has a broad black eye-stripe, and a white collar in adults. The females are slightly greener and duller. New Zealand status: Native. Conservation status: Not Threatened. Found in: Coastal and freshwater …The song thrush is a common bird in New Zealand, though Eurasian blackbirds are c.10 times more abundant than song thrushes in most habitats. Thrushes are usually seen as single birds or in pairs, and are not known to …Aug 14, 2566 BE ... In 2007, after no accepted sightings for 40 years, it was declared extinct, but a sighting that year was later accepted by the Ornithological ...Aug 28, 2023 · Return of takahē – large, flightless bird – to alpine slopes of the South Island marks a conservation victory in New Zealand Tess McClure in Auckland Mon 28 Aug 2023 19.05 EDT Last modified ... “Doing your bit for the birds could be as simple as keeping your cat in at night, donating a predator trap through Give a Trap, or adding your voice to Forest & Bird’s collective call-to-action for birds, and for te taiao in New Zealand.” Top 10. 1. Pūteketeke Australasian crested grebe: 290,374 votes 2. North Island brown …New Zealand parakeet/kākāriki. Kākāriki, meaning ‘small green parrot’ in Māori, are beautiful forest birds. They feed on berries, seeds, fruit and insects, and generally nest in holes in trees. There are five main species of kākāriki: Yellow-crowned parakeet. Orange-fronted parakeet. Red-crowned parakeet.Eleanor Ainge Roy in Dunedin. A native green and bronze wood pigeon with a taste for fermented fruit has been named the 2018 bird of the year in New Zealand. The kererū is endemic to the country ...The South Island takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri) is a flightless swamphen indigenous to New Zealand and the largest living member of the rail family.It is often known by the abbreviated name takahē, which it shares with the recently extinct North Island takahē.The two takahē species are also known as notornis.. Takahē were hunted …New Zealand Garden Bird Survey 29 June – 7 July 2024. Get ready to spread your wings! Our next bird count is coming soon. New Zealand Garden Bird Survey 29 June – 7 July 2024. How to take part. 1 hour. Choose an hour on one day during the survey period and find the perfect bird counting spot. Kiwi Verheyen, 1960. Pseudapteryx Lydekker 1891. Kiwi ( / ˈkiːwiː / KEE-wee) [4] are flightless birds endemic to New Zealand of the order Apterygiformes . The five extant species fall into the family Apterygidae ( / ˌæptəˈrɪdʒədiː /) and genus Apteryx ( / ˈæptərɪks / ). [5] Kea conservation. The kea is a protected species that lives in forests and mountainous areas across the South Island from Golden Bay to Fiordland. This native parrot is a taonga for Ngāi Tahu and Ngā iwi o Te Tauihu (northern South Island iwi) and valued by New Zealanders as an icon of the outdoors. Like many other native birds, kea suffer ... New Zealand is home to many fascinating birds of sea and shore, such as gulls, oystercatchers, herons and dotterels. Learn about their habitats, behaviours, adaptations and threats in this richly illustrated online encyclopedia.Whiteheads are small songbirds with a compact body, short tail and bill and long legs. The head and underparts are white or whitish. Upperparts, wings and tail are brown-grey. Bill, legs and eyes are dark. Voice: whitehead song is a characteristic viu viu viu zir zir zir zir or canary-like twitter. Several other chirps or chatters are …This beautifully illustrated guide highlights over 140 familiar and unique species and includes a map featuring prominent bird-viewing areas. Laminated for ...New Zealand is considered the seabird capital of the world, with remarkable and unique seabirds. What's that shorebird? A guide to the shorebirds of Aotearoa/New Zealand (PDF, 1,372K) New Zealand is famous for its land birds like the kiwi and kākāpō. But just as remarkable and unique are the seabirds. More than a third of …This year’s NZ Bird Conference and Birds New Zealand AGM will be held in Nelson from 1-3 June. Conference details Earlybird registration and abstract submission close 31 March. Field trip options are limited and filling up on a first-come-first-served basis! REGISTER NOW When registering, members and non-members are …10 best kiwi bird sanctuaries in New Zealand. There are over 20 kiwi bird sanctuaries located throughout New Zealand- here are some of the best places to see kiwis in New Zealand. 1. Kiwi Birdlife Conservation Park, Queenstown. Kiwi Birdlife Conversation Park is a popular place to catch a glimpse of kiwi in …Oct 11, 2566 BE ... Huia were the largest of New Zealand's wattlebirds that also exhibited some of the most apparent sexual dimorphism in bill shape of any ...Nov 14, 2023 · 4 of 5 |. A billboard at a bus stop promotes comedian John Oliver’s campaign for the pūteketeke to be named New Zealand’s Bird of the Century on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Wellington, New Zealand. Election organizers Forest & Bird have needed to delay announcing the winner because they have been deluged with votes since Oliver began his ... birds of new zealand. Birds of a Feather. The world’s largest parrot, a round green bird with a goofy disposition and a booming mating call. A crazy-looking rail—the world’s …
Conservation status of New Zealand birds, 2016. New Zealand Threat Classification Series 19. Wellington, Department of Conservation. 27p. Sherley, G. 1985. The breeding system of the South Island rifleman at Kowhai Bush, Kaikoura, New Zealand. PhD thesis, University of Canterbury, Christchurch. Sherley, G. 1993.. Rocky comfort cabins
June 23, 2021. by nzmarkdpcv. 14 Common Garden Birds Of New Zealand. Here are 14 of the most common garden birds of New Zealand. These include a few native birds and …Identify a bird and learn about its ecology, conservation status, and more. The resource includes: detailed information about all 467 species of New Zealand birds, including introduced and extinct species. images and bird call audio. New Zealand Birds Online is a partnership between Te Papa, Birds New Zealand, and the … Takahē. The South Island takahē ( Porphyrio hochstetteri) is a flightless swamphen indigenous to New Zealand and the largest living member of the rail family. It is often known by the abbreviated name takahē, which it shares with the recently extinct North Island takahē. The two takahē species are also known as notornis. Birds New Zealand (The Ornithological Society of New Zealand) is a voluntary and charitable society that depends on the enthusiasm, active participation, knowledge and financial support of its members. We promote the study of birds by organising and helping to fund bird studies. Join Now Renew Donate or Gift a Membership …A birding tour to New Zealand is packed full of highlights: albatrosses so close you can count the droplets of water on their feathers, the deafening calls of New Zealand Bellbirds ringing through the forest at dawn, a … New Zealand Birds' Bird gallery links one to in-depth descriptions of almost all of New Zealand's endemic, native, introduced and extinct birds. Antique prints are used throughout to illustrate the birds. Nov 15, 2023 · New Zealand’s national bird, the North Island brown kiwi, came second on 12,904 votes, while the world’s only alpine parrot, the clever kea, came third with 12,060 votes. Galahs are medium-sized grey-and-pink parrots. The first record of galahs in New Zealand was from Clevedon in 1959, with many records from 1975 on. Galah are localised in distribution, with the only wild population spread widely over the South Auckland area, including a breeding population on Ponui Island in the Hauraki Gulf.The Ornithological Society of New Zealand ( OSNZ ), also known as Birds New Zealand, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the study of birds and their habitats in the New Zealand region. Founded in 1940, it caters to a wide variety of people interested in the birds of the region, from professional ornithologists to casual birdwatchers .New Zealand is a breathtaking destination that offers stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique experiences. Exploring this beautiful country doesn’t have to break the bank,...The weka is one of New Zealand’s iconic large flightless birds. Likely derived from a flighted ancestor, weka are 3-6 times larger than banded rails, which are considered their nearest flying relatives. Weka are charismatic birds that are often attracted to human activity. This makes an encounter with a weka a wildlife highlight for many ...Distribution and Habitat. Starlings occur throughout New Zealand, from sea level to 1500 m altitude, in all open country, on the coast, and in towns. They are absent from alpine areas and native forest, although they may nest at forest edges. Starlings are resident on the Kermadec, Snares, Antipodes, Auckland and Campbell Islands, …New Zealand is home to many fascinating birds of sea and shore, such as gulls, oystercatchers, herons and dotterels. Learn about their habitats, behaviours, adaptations and threats in this richly illustrated online encyclopedia.Galahs are medium-sized grey-and-pink parrots. The first record of galahs in New Zealand was from Clevedon in 1959, with many records from 1975 on. Galah are localised in distribution, with the only wild population spread widely over the South Auckland area, including a breeding population on Ponui Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Takahē. The South Island takahē ( Porphyrio hochstetteri) is a flightless swamphen indigenous to New Zealand and the largest living member of the rail family. It is often known by the abbreviated name takahē, which it shares with the recently extinct North Island takahē. The two takahē species are also known as notornis. .