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List of birds of New Zealand facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This is a list of the amazing birds of New Zealand. You'll find their common English names first, and then their Māori names if they have one.

New Zealand has two main islands, the North Island and South Island. There's also Stewart Island and other smaller islands like the Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, and New Zealand Subantarctic Islands. This list focuses on birds found in these areas.

Birds on this list are usually found in New Zealand all the time, or they visit for summer or winter, or they migrate through. Some birds are marked as extinct, meaning they disappeared after people arrived in New Zealand. Most of these extinctions happened after Māori arrived but before Pākehā (European New Zealanders) came.

Here are some codes you'll see in the list:

  • (B) Breeding – This bird nests in New Zealand.
  • (I) Introduced – Humans brought this bird to New Zealand.
  • (X) Extinct – This bird no longer exists after humans arrived.
  • (ex) Extirpated – This bird is gone from New Zealand but still lives elsewhere.
  • (P) Present – This bird visits New Zealand regularly but doesn't nest here.
  • (V) Vagrant – This bird is rarely seen in New Zealand.

The bird names and groups mostly follow The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World.

NZL orthographic NaturalEarth labelled en
Where New Zealand is located in the South Pacific Ocean.

Contents

Kiwi: New Zealand's Unique Flightless Birds

Order: Apterygiformes   Family: Apterygidae

Kiwi are special flightless birds that only live in New Zealand. They are about the size of a chicken and are the smallest of the group of birds called ratites, which includes ostriches and emus.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Southern brown kiwi
(Māori: tokoeka)
Apteryx australis
B B
Okarito kiwi
(Māori: rowi)
Apteryx rowi
B
North Island brown kiwi
Apteryx mantelli
B
Little spotted kiwi
(Māori: kiwi pukupuku)
Apteryx owenii
B B
Great spotted kiwi
(Māori: roroa)
Apteryx haastii
B

Moa: Giant Extinct Birds of New Zealand

Order: Dinornithiformes   Family: Dinornithidae

The giant moa (Dinornis) was a huge flightless bird that is now extinct. It was found only in New Zealand. There were two main types: the North Island giant moa and the South Island giant moa.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
North Island giant moa
Dinornis novaezealandiae
X
South Island giant moa
Dinornis robustus
X X

Lesser Moa: Smaller but Still Extinct

Order: Dinornithiformes   Family: Emeidae

The lesser moa were a group of smaller moa species. About two-thirds of all moa species belonged to this family.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Bush moa
Anomalopteryx didiformis
X X
Eastern moa
Emeus crassus
X
Broad-billed moa
Euryapteryx curtus
X X
Heavy-footed moa
Pachyornis elephantopus
X X
Mantell's moa
Pachyornis geranoides
X
Crested moa
Pachyornis australis
X

Upland Moa: The Last to Disappear

Order: Dinornithiformes   Family: Megalapterygidae

The upland moa (Megalapteryx didinus) was another moa species unique to New Zealand. It was the last moa to become extinct, around 1445 CE. These birds lived mostly in mountain areas.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Upland moa
Megalapteryx didinus
X

Ducks, Geese, and Swans: Water Birds of New Zealand

Order: Anseriformes   Family: Anatidae

This family includes ducks, geese, and swans. They are all water birds with webbed feet and bills that help them find food in water. Their feathers are also great at shedding water.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Plumed whistling-duck
Dendrocygna eytoni
V V V
Greylag goose
Anser anser
I I I
Canada goose
Branta canadensis
V I I V V
Cape Barren goose
Cereopsis novahollandiae
V V
North Island goose
Cnemiornis gracilis
X
South Island goose
Cnemiornis calcitrans
X
Mute swan
Cygnus olor
I I
Black swan
Cygnus atratus
I I I
New Zealand swan
(Māori: poūwa)
Cygnus sumnerensis
X X
Australian shelduck
Tadorna tadornoides
V V V V V V V V
Paradise shelduck
(Māori: pūtangitangi)
Tadorna variegata
V B B B V
Australian wood duck
Chenonetta jubata
V V
Finsch's duck
Chenonetta finschi
X X
Blue duck
(Māori: whio)
Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos
B B
Australasian shoveler
(Māori: kuruwhengi)
Spatula rhynchotis
B B V V V V
Northern shoveler
Spatula clypeata
V V
Pacific black duck or grey duck
(Māori: pārera)
Anas superciliosa
ex B B V V ex ex ex
Chatham duck
Anas chathamica
X
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
I I I I I I I I
Northern pintail
Anas acuta
V
Grey teal
(Māori: tētē)
Anas gracilis
B B V V V V V
Chestnut teal
Anas castanea
V V
Auckland teal
Anas aucklandica
B
Campbell teal
Anas nesiotis
B
Brown teal
(Māori: pāteke)
Anas chlorotis
B B ex ex
Scarlett's duck
Malacorhynchus scarletti
X X X
Pink-eared duck
Malacorhynchus membranaceus
V
Hardhead
Aythya australis
V V V
New Zealand scaup
(Māori: pāpango)
Aythya novaeseelandiae
B B ex ex
New Zealand musk duck
Biziura delautouri
X X
New Zealand merganser
Mergus australis
X X X X
Chatham merganser
Mergus milleneri
X
New Zealand stiff-tailed duck
Oxyura vantetsi
X X

Pheasants and Allies: Game Birds

Order: Galliformes   Family: Phasianidae

This family includes pheasants and similar birds. They usually live on the ground and have broad, short wings. Many of these birds are hunted for sport or raised for food.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Indian peafowl
Pavo cristatus
I I
Brown quail
Synoicus ypsilophorus
I
New Zealand quail
(Māori: koreke)
Coturnix novaezelandiae
X X
Chukar partridge
Alectoris chukar
I
Red-legged partridge
Alectoris rufa
I I
Red junglefowl
Gallus gallus
I
Common pheasant
Phasianus colchicus
I I
Wild turkey
Meleagris gallopavo
I I

Grebes: Diving Birds

Order: Podicipediformes   Family: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-sized birds that dive in freshwater. They have special lobed toes that make them excellent swimmers and divers. However, their feet are set far back on their bodies, so they are clumsy on land.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Australasian grebe
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
B P
Hoary-headed grebe
Poliocephalus poliocephalus
V V V V
New Zealand grebe
Poliocephalus rufopectus
B V
Great crested grebe
Podiceps cristatus
V B

Pigeons and Doves: Common Birds

Order: Columbiformes   Family: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are birds with sturdy bodies, short necks, and thin bills.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Rock dove
Columba livia
I I I V V V
African collared dove
Streptopelia roseogrisea
I I
Spotted dove
Streptopelia chinensis
I
Rose-crowned fruit dove
Ptilinopus regina
V
Kererū or New Zealand pigeon
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
B B B
Chatham pigeon
(Māori: parea)
Hemiphaga chathamensis
B

Cuckoos: Known for Their Calls

Order: Cuculiformes   Family: Cuculidae

The cuckoo family includes birds of different sizes with slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. Some cuckoos are known for laying their eggs in other birds' nests.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Pacific long-tailed cuckoo
(Māori: koekoeā)
Urodynamis taitensis
P B B P P P
Channel-billed cuckoo
Scythrops novaehollandiae
V V
Shining bronze-cuckoo
(Māori: pīpīwharauroa)
Chrysococcyx lucidus
P B B B B P P
Pallid cuckoo
Cacomantis pallidus
V V
Fan-tailed cuckoo
Cacomantis flabelliformis
V V
Oriental cuckoo
Cuculus optatus
V V V V V

Swifts: Birds of the Air

Order: Caprimulgiformes   Family: Apodidae

Swifts are small birds that spend most of their lives flying. They have very short legs and usually only land on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long, swept-back wings that look like a boomerang.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
White-throated needletail
Hirandapus caudacutus
P P P P P P
Pacific swift
Apus pacificus
V V V V

Adzebills: Extinct New Zealand Birds

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Aptornithidae

The adzebills, from the genus Aptornis, were two types of birds that are now extinct. They were unique to New Zealand.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
North Island adzebill
Aptornis otidiformis
X
South Island adzebill<Sbr />Aptornis defossor X

Rails: Shy Birds of Wetlands

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Rallidae

This large family includes rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. They are usually shy birds that live in dense plants near lakes, swamps, or rivers. They have strong legs and long toes, which help them walk on soft ground.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Corn crake
Crex crex
V
Auckland rail
Lewinia muelleri
B
Weka
Gallirallus australis
B B B I
Buff-banded rail
Gallirallus philippensis
B B B
Chatham rail
Cabalus modestus
X
Dieffenbach's rail
Hypotaenidia dieffenbachii
X
Snipe-rail
Capellirallus karamu
X
Hawkins's rail
Diaphorapteryx hawkinsi
X
Black-tailed nativehen
Tribonyx ventralis
V V
Hodgens' waterhen
Tribonyx hodgenorum
X X
Australian crake
Porzana fluminea
V
Eurasian moorhen
Gallinula chloropus
V
Dusky moorhen
Gallinula tenebrosa
V
New Zealand coot
Fulica prisca
X X
Eurasian coot
Fulica atra
B B
Chatham coot
Fulica chathamensis
X
North Island takahē
Porphyrio mantelli
X
South Island takahē
Porphyrio hochstetteri
B
Australasian swamphen or pūkeko
(Māori: pūkeko)
Porphyrio melanotus
I I I I I V
Marsh crake
Zapornia pusilla
B B B B
Spotless crake
Zapornia tabuensis
B B B ex

Stilts and Avocets: Long-Legged Waders

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Recurvirostridae

This family includes avocets and stilts. Avocets have long, upward-curved bills, while stilts have very long legs and thin, straight bills. They are all large wading birds.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Pied stilt
(Māori: poaka)
Himantopus leucocephalus
B B B
Black stilt
(Māori: kakī)
Himantopus novaezelandiae
P B
Red-necked avocet
Recurvirostra novaehollandiae
V V

Oystercatchers: Shellfish Eaters

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Haematopodidae

Oystercatchers are large, easy-to-spot birds that make a lot of noise. They have strong bills that they use to break open or pry apart molluscs like oysters.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
South Island oystercatcher
(Māori: tōrea)
Haematopus finschi
V P B P V V V V
Chatham oystercatcher
Haematopus chathamensis
B
Variable oystercatcher
(Māori: tōrea pango)
Haematopus unicolor
B B B

Plovers and Lapwings: Open Country Birds

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Charadriidae

This family includes plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies and short, thick necks. They live in open areas, often near water.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Grey plover
Pluvialis squatarola
V V V V
American golden plover
Pluvialis dominica
V
Pacific golden plover
Pluvialis fulva
P P P P P V
Masked lapwing or spur-wing plover
Vanellus miles
V B B B B V V V V
New Zealand dotterel
(Māori: tūturiwhatu, pukunui, kūkuruatu)
Charadrius obscurus
B B P
Lesser sand plover
Charadrius mongolus
P P V
Greater sand plover
Charadrius leschenaulti
P P
Double-banded plover
Charadrius bicinctus
V B B B B B P
Red-capped plover
Charadrius ruficapillus
V V
Common ringed plover
Charadrius hiaticula
V
Semipalmated plover
Charadrius semipalmatus
V
Oriental plover
Charadrius veredus
V V V V
Red-kneed dotterel
Erythrogonys cinctus
V
Shore plover
(Māori: tuturuatu)
Thinornis novaeseelandiae
B B B B
Black-fronted dotterel
Elseyornis melanops
B B
Wrybill
(Māori: ngutu parore)
Anarhynchus frontalis
P B

Sandpipers and Allies: Shorebirds

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Scolopacidae

This is a large group of small to medium-sized shorebirds. It includes sandpipers, curlews, godwits, and snipes. Most of these birds eat small bugs from mud or soil. They have different leg and bill lengths, which lets many species feed in the same area without competing for food.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Upland sandpiper
Bartramia longicauda
V
Bristle-thighed curlew
Numenius tahitiensis
V
Eurasian whimbrel
Numenius phaeopus
V P P V
Little curlew
Numenius minutus
P P
Far Eastern curlew
Numenius madagascarensis
V P P V V V
Bar-tailed godwit
Limosa lapponica
P P
Black-tailed godwit
Limosa limosa
P P P V
Hudsonian godwit
Limosa haemastica
P P P V
Ruddy turnstone
Arenaria interpres
V P P P P V P V V
Great knot
Calidris tenuirostris
P P
Red knot
(Māori: huahou)
Calidris canutus
V P P P V V
Ruff
Calidris pugnax
V
Broad-billed sandpiper
Calidris falcinellus
V V
Sharp-tailed sandpiper
Calidris acuminata
V P P P P V V
Stilt sandpiper
Calidris himantopus
V
Curlew sandpiper
Calidris ferruginea
P P V V
Long-toed stint
Calidris subminuta
V
Red-necked stint
Calidris ruficollis
P P V V
Sanderling
Calidris alba
P P V
Dunlin
Calidris alpina
V
Baird's sandpiper
Calidris bairdii
V
Little stint
Calidris minuta
V
Least sandpiper
Calidris minutilla
V
White-rumped sandpiper
Calidris fuscicollis
V
Buff-breasted sandpiper
Calidris subruficollis
V
Pectoral sandpiper
Calidris melanotos
P P V
Western sandpiper
Calidris mauri
V V
Asian dowitcher
Limnodromus semipalmatus
V V
North Island snipe
Coenocorypha barrierensis
X
South Island snipe
Coenocorypha iredalei
X X
Chatham snipe
Coenocorypha pusilla
B
Forbes's snipe
Coenocorypha chathamica
X
Snares snipe
Coenocorypha huegeli
B
Subantarctic snipe
Coenocorypha aucklandica
B B B
Latham's snipe
Gallinago hardwickii
V V V V
Terek sandpiper
Xenus cinereus
V V
Wilson's phalarope
Phalaropus tricolor
V V
Red-necked phalarope
Phalaropus lobatus
V V
Red phalarope
Phalaropus fulicarius
V V
Common sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucos
V V V
Grey-tailed tattler
Tringa brevipes
V P P V V V
Wandering tattler
Tringa incana
V P P V V
Common greenshank
Tringa nebularia
P P V V V
Lesser yellowlegs
Tringa flavipes
V V V
Marsh sandpiper
Tringa stagnatilis
P P P

Skuas: Strong Fliers of the Sea

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Stercorariidae

Skuas are medium to large birds, often grey or brown. They look like big, dark gulls but have a fleshy area above their upper bill. They are strong, acrobatic fliers.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
South polar skua
Stercorarius maccormicki
V V V V V V V V V V
Brown skua
Stercorarius antarcticus
P P B B B B B B B P
Pomarine jaeger
Stercorarius pomarinus
P P P
Parasitic jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticus
V P P P V
Long-tailed jaeger
Stercorarius longicaudus
P P P

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers: Coastal Birds

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Laridae

This family includes gulls, terns, and skimmers. They are medium to large seabirds, usually grey or white with black markings. They have strong bills and webbed feet.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Black-billed gull
Chroicocephalus bulleri
B B
Silver gull
Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae
B B B B B B B
Laughing gull
Leucophaeus atricilla
V
Franklin's gull
Leucophaeus pipixcan
V V V
Pacific gull
Larus pacificus
V
Kelp gull
(Māori: karoro}
Larus dominicanus
V B B B B B B B B B
Brown noddy
Anous stolidus
B V
Black noddy
Anous minutus
B V
Grey noddy
Anous albivitta
B P P
Blue noddy
Anous ceruleus
P V V
White tern
Gygis alba
B V V
Sooty tern
Onychoprion fuscatus
B V
Spectacled tern
Onychoprion lunatus
V
Bridled tern
Onychoprion anaethetus
V
Little tern
Sternula albifrons
V P P V
Fairy tern
Sternula nereis
B ex
Gull-billed tern
Gelochelidon nilotica
P P
Caspian tern
(Māori: taranui)
Hydroprogne caspia
V P P V
Black tern
Chlidonias niger
V
White-winged tern
Chlidonias leucopterus
P P
Whiskered tern
Chlidonias hybrida
V V
Black-fronted tern
(Māori: tarapiroe)
Chlidonias albostriatus
P B
White-fronted tern
Sterna striata
B B B B B B
Black-naped tern
Sterna sumatrana
V
Common tern
Sterna hirundo
P P
Arctic tern
Sterna paradisaea
V V V V V V V V
Antarctic tern
Sterna vittata
V P B V B B B B B
Greater crested tern
Thalasseus bergii
V V V

Tropicbirds: Tropical Ocean Birds

Order: Phaethontiformes   Family: Phaethontidae

Tropicbirds are thin white birds that live in tropical oceans. They have very long tail feathers in the middle. Their long wings and heads have black markings.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
White-tailed tropicbird
Phaethon lepturus
V
Red-tailed tropicbird
(Māori: amokura)
Phaethon rubricauda
B P

Penguins: Flightless Swimmers

Order: Sphenisciformes   Family: Spheniscidae

Penguins are a group of water birds that cannot fly. They live mostly in the Southern Hemisphere. Most penguins eat krill, fish, and squid that they catch while swimming underwater.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
King penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
V V V V V V V
Emperor penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
V V
Adélie penguin
Pygoscelis adeliae
V
Chinstrap penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
V V V
Gentoo penguin
Pygoscelis papua
V V V V
Little penguin
(Māori: kororā)
Eudyptula minor
B B B B V
Australian little penguin
Eudyptula novaehollandiae
I
Yellow-eyed penguin
(Māori: hoiho)
Megadyptes antipodes
V I I ex V B B
Waitaha penguin
Megadyptes waitaha
X X
Magellanic penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
V V
Fiordland penguin
(Māori: tawaki, pokotiwha)
Eudyptes pachyrhynchus
V B B V V V
Snares penguin
Eudyptes robustus
V V V V B V V V
Erect-crested penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
V V V V V V V B B
Southern rockhopper penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
V
Northern rockhopper penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
V V
Royal penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
V V V V V V
Macaroni penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
V V
Chatham penguin
Eudyptes warhami
X

Albatrosses: Giants of the Sky

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Diomedeidae

Albatrosses are a family of very large seabirds found in the Southern and North Pacific Oceans. The biggest ones are among the largest flying birds in the world.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Indian yellow-nosed albatross
Thalassarche carteri
P P P P
Grey-headed albatross
Thalassarche chrysostoma
P P P P P P P B P P
Buller's albatross
Thalassarche bulleri
P P B P B B P P P P
Shy albatross
Thalassarche cauta
P P P P B P B P B P
Salvin's albatross
Thalassarche salvini
P P P P P B P P P B
Chatham albatross
Thalassarche eremita
P P P P B P P P P
Black-browed albatross
Thalassarche melanophris
P P P P P B P B B P
Sooty albatross
Phoebetria fusca
V V V V
Light-mantled albatross
Phoebetria palpebrata
P P P P P B B B P
Southern royal albatross
Diomedea epomophora
B B B
Northern royal albatross
Diomedea sanfordi
B B B
Wandering albatross
Diomedea exulans
P
Laysan albatross
Phoebastria immutabilis
V
Black-footed albatross
Phoebastria nigripes
V

Storm Petrels: Small Seabirds

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Oceanitidae

The southern storm-petrels are the smallest seabirds. They are related to petrels and eat tiny crustaceans and small fish from the ocean surface, often while hovering. Their flight can be fluttering, almost like a bat.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Wilson's storm petrel
Oceanites oceanicus
P
Grey-backed storm petrel
Garrodia nereis
P P P B P B P B P
White-faced storm petrel
Pelagodroma marina
B B B B B P B P P P
White-bellied storm petrel
Fregetta grallaria
B V
New Zealand storm petrel
Fregetta maoriana
B
Black-bellied storm petrel
Fregetta tropica
P P P P P P B P B B

Petrels and Shearwaters: Ocean Wanderers

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Procellariidae

This group includes many medium-sized "true petrels." They have nostrils that are joined together and a long outer flight feather.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Southern giant petrel
Macronectes giganteus
P
Northern giant petrel
Macronectes halli
P P P B P B B B
Northern fulmar
Fulmarus glacialis
V
Southern fulmar
Fulmarus glacialoides
P
Antarctic petrel
Thalassoica antarctica
V
Cape petrel
Daption capense
P P P B B B B B B
Snow petrel
Pagodroma nivea
V
Kerguelen petrel
Aphrodroma brevirostris
P P P P P P P P P
Great-winged petrel
Pterodroma macroptera
P P
Grey-faced petrel
Pterodroma gouldi
P B P P P P P P P P
Kermadec petrel
Pterodroma neglecta
B V V
Magenta petrel
Pterodroma magentae
B
Herald petrel
Pterodroma heraldica
V
Providence petrel<Sbr />Pterodroma solandri V V V
Soft-plumaged petrel
Pterodroma mollis
P P P B P P P B P
White-headed petrel
Pterodroma lessonii
P P P P P B B? B P
Mottled petrel
Pterodroma inexpectata
P P B B P B P P P P
Juan Fernández petrel
Pterodroma externa
V V V V
White-necked petrel
Pterodroma cervicalis
B P P P
Black-winged petrel
Pterodroma nigripennis
B B P B P P P P
Chatham petrel
Pterodroma axillaris
B
Cook's petrel
Pterodroma cookii
P B P B P P P P P P
Gould's petrel
Pterodroma leucoptera
P V
Collared petrel<Sbr />Pterodroma brevipes V
Stejneger's petrel
Pterodroma longirostris
V V
Pycroft's petrel
Pterodroma pycrofti
V B V
Phoenix petrel
Pterodroma alba
V
Imber's petrel
Pterodroma imberi
X
Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Blue petrel
Halobaena caerulea
P
Fairy prion
Pachyptila turtur
P B B B B B B B B P
Broad-billed prion<Sbr />Pachyptila vittata P P B B B B P P P P
Salvin's prion
Pachyptila salvini
P
Antarctic prion
Pachyptila desolata
P P P P P P B B P P
Slender-billed prion
Pachyptila belcheri
P
Fulmar prion
Pachyptila crassirostris
P P P P B B B P P B
Bulwer's petrel
Bulweria bulwerii
V
Tahiti petrel
Pseudobulweria rostrata
V
Grey petrel
Procellaria cinerea
P P P P P P P B B P
White-chinned petrel
Procellaria aequinoctialis
P P P P P P B B B P
Black petrel<Sbr />Procellaria parkinsoni P B P P
Westland petrel
Procellaria westlandica
P P B P P P P P P P
Streaked shearwater
Calonectris leucomelas
V
Cory's shearwater
Calonectris borealis
V
Pink-footed shearwater
Ardenna creatopus
V
Flesh-footed shearwater
Ardenna carneipes
P B P P
Great shearwater
Ardenna gravis
V V V
Wedge-tailed shearwater
Ardenna pacifica
B P
Buller's shearwater
Ardenna bulleri
P B P P P P
Sooty shearwater
(Māori: tītī)
Ardenna grisea
P B B B B B B B B P
Short-tailed shearwater
Ardenna tenuirostris
P
Christmas shearwater
Puffinus nativitatis
V V
Manx shearwater<Sbr />Puffinus puffinus V
Hutton's shearwater
Puffinus huttoni
P B P P
Newell's shearwater
Puffinus newelli
V
Fluttering shearwater
Puffinus gavia
P B P P P P
Scarlett's shearwater
Puffinus spelaeus
X
Little shearwater
Puffinus assimilis
B B P
Subantarctic shearwater
Puffinus elegans
P P P B P P B P P
Common diving petrel
Pelecanoides urinatrix
B B B B B B B B
South Georgia diving petrel
Pelecanoides georgicus
B ex ex

Frigatebirds: Masters of Flight

Order: Suliformes   Family: Fregatidae

Frigatebirds are large seabirds found over tropical oceans. They are mostly black and white, or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. Male frigatebirds have colorful throat pouches that they can inflate. They are amazing fliers and can stay in the air for over a week!

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Lesser frigatebird
Fregata ariel
V V V
Great frigatebird
Fregata minor
V V

Boobies and Gannets: Diving for Fish

Order: Suliformes   Family: Sulidae

This family includes gannets and boobies. Both are medium to large coastal seabirds that dive headfirst into the water to catch fish.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Masked booby
Sula dactylatra
B V
Brown booby
Sula leucogaster
P P P V
Red-footed booby
Sula sula
V
Cape gannet
Morus capensis
V
Australasian gannet or tākapu
Morus serrator
B B P P P P P

Cormorants and Shags: Fish-Eating Divers

Order: Suliformes   Family: Phalacrocoracidae

This family includes cormorants and shags. They are medium to large coastal seabirds that eat fish. Most have dark feathers, but some are black and white or even colorful. They have long, thin, hooked bills.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Little pied cormorant
(Māori: kawaupaka)
Microcarbo melanoleucos
B B B V V V V
Great cormorant
(Māori: kawau)
Phalacrocorax carbo
B B B V V V
Spotted shag
Phalacrocorax punctatus
B B
Pitt shag
Phalacrocorax featherstoni
B
Little black cormorant
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
B B V V
Australian pied cormorant
(Māori: kāruhiruhi)
Phalacrocorax varius
B B
Bounty shag
Leucocarbo ranfurlyi
V B
New Zealand king shag
Leucocarbo carunculatus
B
Otago shag
Leucocarbo chalconotus
B
Foveaux shag
Leucocarbo stewarti
B
Chatham shag
Leucocarbo onslowi
B
Auckland shag
Leucocarbo colensoi
V B
Campbell shag
Leucocarbo campbelli
B
Macquarie shag
Leucocarbo purpurascens
V

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns: Wading Birds

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Ardeidae

This family includes bitterns, herons, and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns are usually shorter-necked and more cautious. Unlike some other long-necked birds, these birds fly with their necks pulled back.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Australasian bittern
Botaurus poiciloptilus
P P P P
Black-backed bittern
Ixobrychus dubius
V
New Zealand bittern
Ixobrychus novaezelandiae
X X X
Grey heron
Ardea cinerea
V
White-necked heron
Ardea pacifica
V V V
Great egret
(Māori: kōtuku)
Ardea alba
V P B V V V
Plumed egret
Ardea intermedia plumifera
V V
White-faced heron
Egretta novaehollandiae
V B B V B V V V
Little egret
Egretta garzetta
V V V
Pacific reef heron
Egretta sacra
V B B P V V
Cattle egret
Bubulcus ibis
V P P P V V
Nankeen night heron
Nycticorax caledonicus
B V V V

Ibises and Spoonbills: Long-Billed Birds

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Threskiornithidae

This family includes ibises and spoonbills. They are large birds that live on land and in water. They have long, wide wings and are strong fliers.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Glossy ibis
Plegadis falcinellus
P P V
Australian white ibis
Threskiornis molucca
V V
Straw-necked ibis
Threskiornis spinicollis
V
Royal spoonbill
Platalea regia
V B B V
Yellow-billed spoonbill
Platalea flavipes
V

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites: Birds of Prey

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Accipitridae

This family includes hawks, eagles, and kites. These are birds of prey, meaning they hunt other animals for food. They have very strong, hooked beaks for tearing meat, powerful legs, sharp talons, and excellent eyesight.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Swamp harrier
(Māori: kāhu)
Circus approximans
P I I I I P P P
Black kite
Milvus migrans
V V
Eyles's harrier
Circus teauteensis
X X
Haast's eagle
Hieraaetus moorei
X X
White-bellied sea eagle
Haliaeetus leucogaster
V

True Owls: Night Hunters

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Strigidae

Owls are mostly solitary birds of prey that hunt at night. They have large eyes that face forward, good hearing, a hooked beak, and a circle of feathers around each eye.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Little owl
Athene noctua
I
Morepork
(Māori: ruru)
Ninox novaeseelandiae
B B B V
Laughing owl
(Māori: whēkau)
Ninox albifacies
X X X

Kingfishers: Brightly Colored Hunters

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with big heads, long, pointed bills, short legs, and short tails. They are often brightly colored.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Laughing kookaburra
Dacelo novaeguineae
I V
Sacred kingfisher
(Māori: kōtare)
Todiramphus sanctus
B B B B V

Falcons and Caracaras: Fast Hunters

Order: Falconiformes   Family: Falconidae

This family includes falcons and caracaras. Unlike hawks and eagles, falcons kill their prey with their beaks instead of their talons.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Nankeen kestrel
Falco cenchroides
V V
New Zealand falcon
(Māori: kārearea)
Falco novaeseelandiae
B B P ex P B
Black falcon
Falco subniger
V

Kea and Kākā: New Zealand Parrots

Order: Psittaciformes   Family: Nestoridae

The Nestor group includes two types of parrots found only in New Zealand: the kea and the kākā. There were also two other species that are now extinct.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Kea
Nestor notabilis
ex B
Kākā
Nestor meridionalis
B B B
Chatham kākā
Nestor chathamensis
X

Kākāpō: The Owl Parrot

Order: Psittaciformes   Family: Strigopidae

The kākāpō, also known as the owl parrot (Strigops habroptilus), is a large, flightless, night-active, ground-dwelling parrot. It is found only in New Zealand.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Kākāpō
Strigops habroptilus
B B B

Cockatoos: Parrots with Crests

Order: Psittaciformes   Family: Cacatuidae

Cockatoos are parrots with a curved beak and special feet that have two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward. They are known for their often beautiful, movable crests of feathers on their heads.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Galah
Eolophus roseicapilla
I
Sulphur-crested cockatoo
Cacatua galerita
I I

Old World Parrots: Colorful Birds

Order: Psittaciformes   Family: Psittaculidae

These parrots have strong, curved bills, stand upright, and have strong legs with clawed feet. Many are brightly colored. They range in size from very small to quite large. Old World parrots are found in Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Rose-ringed parakeet
Psittacula krameri
I I
Antipodes parakeet
Cyanoramphus unicolor
B
Red-crowned parakeet
(Māori: kākāriki)
Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae
B B B B B B
Reischek's parakeet
Cyanoramphus hochstetteri
B
Yellow-crowned parakeet
(Māori: kākāriki)
Cyanoramphus auriceps
B B B
Chatham parakeet
Cyanoramphus forbesi
B
Malherbe's parakeet
(Māori: kākāriki karaka)
Cyanoramphus malherbi
B
Crimson rosella
Platycercus elegans
I I
Eastern rosella
Platycercus eximius
I I V
Rainbow lorikeet
Trichoglossus moluccanus
I

New Zealand Wrens: Tiny Endemic Birds

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Acanthisittidae

The New Zealand wrens are a family of tiny passerine birds found only in New Zealand. There were once six known species, but only two survive today. They are a unique group of birds.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Lyall's wren
Traversia lyalli
X X
Rifleman
(Māori: titipounamu)
Acanthisitta chloris
B B ex
Bushwren
(Māori: mātuhituhi)
Xenicus longipes
X X X
New Zealand rock wren
(Māori: pīwauwau)
Xenicus gilviventris
B
South Island stout-legged wren
Pachyplichas yaldwyni
X
North Island stout-legged wren
Pachyplichas jagmi
X
Long-billed wren
Dendroscansor decurvirostris
X

Honeyeaters: Nectar Lovers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Meliphagidae

The honeyeaters are a large group of small to medium-sized birds. They are most common in Australia and New Guinea, but also live in New Zealand and some Pacific islands.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Tūī
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
B B B B B B
New Zealand bellbird
(Māori: korimako)
Anthornis melanura
B B B B V
Chatham bellbird
Anthornis melanocephala
X
Red wattlebird
Anthochaera carunculata
V

Whiteheads: Unique New Zealand Birds

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Mohouidae

The Mohoua group has three bird species found only in New Zealand. Their scientific name comes from mohua, the Māori name for the yellowhead. These birds are now placed in their own family, Mohouidae.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Whitehead
(Māori: pōpokotea)
Mohoua albicilla
B
Yellowhead
(Māori: mohua)
Mohoua ochrocephala
B B
Pipipi
(Māori: pīpipi)
Mohoua novaeseelandiae
B B

Old World Orioles: Colorful Songbirds

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Oriolidae

The Old World orioles are colorful passerine birds. They are not closely related to the New World orioles.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
South Island piopio
Turnagra capensis
X
North Island piopio
Turnagra tanagra
X

Fantails: Birds with Fanned Tails

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Rhipiduridae

Fantails are small birds that eat insects. They have long tails that they often fan out.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
New Zealand fantail
(Māori: pīwakawaka)
Rhipidura fuliginosa
B B B B ex
Willie wagtail
Rhipidura leucophrys
V

Crows, Jays, and Magpies: Smart Birds

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Corvidae

This family includes crows, ravens, jays, and magpies. These birds are larger than average for passerines, and some of the bigger species are very intelligent.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
New Zealand raven
Corvus antipodum
X X X
Chatham raven
Corvus moriorum
X
Rook
Corvus frugilegus
I I I I

New Zealand Wattlebirds: Unique Endemic Birds

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Callaeidae

The Callaeidae family includes birds found only in New Zealand. There are five species in this family. One species, the huia, became extinct in the early 1900s. The South Island kokako is very rare and might also be extinct.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
North Island kōkako
Callaeas wilsoni
B
South Island kōkako
Callaeas cinereus
B? ex
North Island saddleback
Philesturnus rufusater
B
South Island saddleback
Philesturnus carunculatus
B B
Huia
Heteralocha acutirostris
X

Stitchbird: A Special Honeyeater-like Bird

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Notiomystidae

The stitchbird or hihi (Notiomystis cincta) is a bird that looks like a honeyeater. It is found only on the North Island and nearby islands of New Zealand. Scientists have studied its family tree for a long time, and now it's in its own unique family, Notiomystidae.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Stitchbird
(Māori: hihi)
Notiomystis cincta
B

Australasian Robins: Small Insect Eaters

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Petroicidae

The bird family Petroicidae includes 49 species. All of them are found only in Australasia: New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and many Pacific Islands. They are often called Australasian robins.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
North Island robin
Petroica longipes
B
South Island robin
Petroica australis
B B
Tomtit
(Māori: miromiro)
Petroica macrocephala
B B B B B B
Black robin
Petroica traversi
B

Larks: Ground Birds with Songs

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Alaudidae

Larks are small birds that live on the ground. They often have very fancy songs and display flights. Most larks look quite plain. They eat insects and seeds.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Eurasian skylark
Alauda arvensis
I I I

Swallows: Aerial Feeders

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Hirundinidae

The swallow family is made up of birds that are built for catching food in the air. They have slender bodies, long, pointed wings, and short bills with wide mouths. Their feet are better for perching than walking.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Welcome swallow
Hirundo neoxena
B B B B B P P V
Fairy martin
Petrochelidon ariel
V V V
Tree martin
Petrochelidon nigricans
V V V V

White-eyes: Birds with Eye Rings

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Zosteropidae

White-eyes are small birds that usually look plain, with greenish-olive feathers on top. Some species have white or bright yellow throats or chests. As their name suggests, many have a white ring around each eye.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Silvereye
(Māori: tauhou)
Zosterops lateralis
B B B B B B B B B

Starlings: Gregarious Birds

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sturnidae

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They fly strongly and directly, and they like to live in groups. They prefer open areas and eat insects and fruit. Their feathers are usually dark with a shiny, metallic look.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Common starling
Sturnus vulgaris
I I I I I I I I I V
Common myna
Acridotheres tristis
I

Thrushes: Ground Feeders with Songs

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Turdidae

Thrushes are a group of passerine birds found mostly in the Old World. They are plump, soft-feathered, and small to medium-sized. They eat insects or sometimes everything, often feeding on the ground. Many thrushes have beautiful songs.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Song thrush
Turdus philomelos
I I I I I I V V V
Common blackbird
Turdus merula
I I I I I I I I V

Old World Sparrows: Small Seed-Eaters

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Passeridae

Sparrows are small passerine birds. They are usually small, plump, brown or grey, with short tails and strong, short beaks. They mainly eat seeds but also eat small insects.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
House sparrow
Passer domesticus
I I I I V V V V

Wagtails and Pipits: Ground-Feeding Insect Eaters

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Motacillidae

This family includes wagtails, longclaws, and pipits. They are slender passerine birds that feed on insects on the ground in open areas.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
New Zealand pipit
(Māori: pīhoihoi)
Anthus novaeseelandiae
V B B B B V B B

True Finches: Seed-Eating Songbirds

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Fringillidae

Finches are small to medium-sized passerine birds that eat seeds. They have strong, often cone-shaped beaks. All finches have 12 tail feathers and nine main flight feathers. They fly with a bouncing motion and most sing well.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Common chaffinch
Fringilla coelebs
V I I I I I I I V
European greenfinch
Chloris chloris
V I I I I V V
Common redpoll
Acanthis flammea
I I I I I I I I I
Lesser redpoll
Acanthis cabaret
I I I I I I I I I
European goldfinch
Carduelis carduelis
V I I I I V V V V

Old World Buntings: Seed-Eating Birds

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Emberizidae

The emberizids are a large family of seed-eating birds with uniquely shaped bills. Many of these species have special patterns on their heads.

Species Kermadecs North I South I Stewart Chathams Snares Auckland Campbell Antipodes Bounty
Cirl bunting
Emberiza cirlus
I I
Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinella
I I I I I V V V V

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See also

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List of birds of New Zealand Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.