NEW ZEALAND's BIRDS

Pelagic Birds

New Zealand also has the most diverse seabird community in the world, with no fewer than 85 species (95 different taxa) breeding in the region which includes NZ’s Subantarctic islands, the Chathams Group and the Kermadec Islands. This seabird fauna includes 35 endemic species and 49 endemic taxa. In addition to the breeders, many other seabirds visit New Zealand waters throughout the year, birds that breed close to Antarctica or on other islands of the Great Southern Ocean and the tropical Pacific. In short, New Zealand is an international seabird hotspot!


List New Zealand Pelagic Birds

Grey-faced Petrel

Terrestrial Birds

New Zealand has special terrestrial birds including: three endemic bird families, kiwi (five species), NZ wattlebirds (kokako and saddleback) and NZ wrens (rifleman and rock wren); alpine and forest parrots (kea, kaka and kakariki); large flightless rails (weka); honeyeaters (the iridescent tui, NZ bellbird); precious forest species such as yellowhead, whitehead, brown creeper, NZ robin, NZ tomtit, long-tailed cuckoo, shining cuckoo; the curious wrybill plover; and the extremely rare and endangered black stilt and shore plover.


List New Zealand Terrestrial Birds

Grey Teal