Juveniles have dark eyes and brown feathers. Their wedge-shaped beaks have black tips. The napes, shoulders, and upper tails are lighter in color. This iconic species is the most recognizable bird in New Zealand! The Australian Magpie freely roams the country’s cities and suburbs.

Apr 8, 2023 · It is characterized by loose, hair-like feathers, and surprisingly stocky legs. There are five different species of kiwi in New Zealand, and they’re considered very culturally important to the country – we even go as far as to call those from New Zealand ‘Kiwis’.

Jun 2, 2019 · Keep in mind though that young birds may not have that tuft of white feathers yet. The tui is so iconic of New Zealand that there is even a beer named after it. These birds are very loud and can make a remarkable range of calls. They make a bunch of sounds that don’t sound like a bird should be making them.

For birds in the associated states or dependent territories, see List of birds of the Cook Islands, List of birds of Niue, List of birds of Tokelau, and List of birds of Antarctica. Unless otherwise noted, all species listed below occur regularly in New Zealand as permanent residents, summer or winter visitors, or migrants.

Korimako (bellbird) are frequently heard calling and seen feeding in this area. Like other members of the ‘honeyeater’ family, such as tui, they have brush-like tongues to reach deep into flowers to collect nectar, emerging with pollen covered heads. They are vital in the pollination and seed dispersal of many native trees.

Mar 15, 2021 · In the past, Māori kept them in cages and trained them to repeat welcome speeches up to 70 words long. They even trimmed their brush-like tongue to help them speak more clearly. Tūī are very territorial and will defend their turf aggressively, chasing away other birds to make sure their food source is safe.

Apr 4, 2023 · Native to New Zealand, these coastal birds feature unique yellow eyes and feathers. Their solitary nesting habits demand significant space between each nest, ensuring privacy. Hoiho communicate through loud, shrieking calls, underscoring their special place in New Zealand's wildlife panorama.

They are known for their sweet and high pitched voice, which was once described by Captain Cook as sounding ‘like small bells exquisitely tuned’. A bellbird’s favourite food is nectar and their brush-like tongue helps them to delve into nectar flowers to reach the sweet stuff, but they also feed on fruits and insects.

There are several species of kiwi, including the Brown Kiwi, Little Spotted Kiwi, and Great Spotted Kiwi. Brown Kiwi: Found in the North Island, this species is known for its reddish-brown feathers. Little Spotted Kiwi: Once nearly extinct, it now thrives on predator-free islands.

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, harming or killing native wildlife. Popular: kākāpō, kea, kiwi, morepork, pūkeko, tūī. View by habitat: forest and mountain, sea and shore, wetland and river.