Found right around New Zealand, tūī are most often found in the North Island, on the west and south coasts of the South Island and on Stewart Island. The woodswallows are soft-plumaged, somber-coloured passerine birds. They are smooth, agile flyers with moderately large, semi-triangular wings. The barn owl is one of the New Zealand animals that is technically Australian, but as they made their own way across the ditch and have successfully bred here, they’ve become a native species. They are, in fact, our newest native bird of prey. While sightings of the Kea are common in certain areas, such as Arthur’s Pass National Park, they are a rare and unique find for birdwatchers in New Zealand. Known for their cleverness and problem-solving abilities, the Kea’s inquisitive nature can sometimes lead to conflict with humans. Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen.

Stoats are the primary predators of kea, and feral cats are also a major threat, particularly in eastern South Island areas where cat populations make incursions into kea habitat. Possums are known to prey on kea and disturb nests, and rats have also occasionally been observed preying on kea eggs. Illustrated with nearly a thousand new photographs from one of New Zealand's top nature photographers and drawing on the latest information from birders and biologists, Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide offers a definitive introduction to the identification and behaviour of the country's extraordinary avian life. If you’re interested in bird photography, some tours offer specialized photography trips. These trips include expert photography guidance, allowing you to capture stunning shots of New Zealand’s bird species. Accommodations and Equipment Kereru: Otherwise known as wood pigeons, Kereru are a far cry from the scrawny, dirty pigeons you'll often see in cities! Larger than common pigeons, their feathers an iridescent green-pink and white. They're found throughout New Zealand, in gardens as well as forested areas, and aren't endangered. There are several bird books covering New Zealand on the market already and while most are good, this one raises the bar by several notches, with more than 1000 photographs to show each species in several plumages and conditions. [...] There are some who prefer the long-standardised format of colour paintings on the right with matching text on the left, and I suspect there will be always be a demand for that type of field guide. (However,) The last five years have seen significant changes in the use of photography in field guides, and this book is a great example of how to use photography at its best."

16. New Zealand Parakeet (Kakariki)

Conservation status: Not threatened. Credit: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Photo: Wānaka Water Taxi. Takahē In Māori tradition, these owls are said to act as guardians and ancestral spirits to the living, so keep an eye and ear out on your travels if you’re looking for a blessing. Visitors to New Zealand interested in observing the Kea can do so on guided birdwatching tours in areas where they are known to congregate. These tours often allow visitors to see the Kea up close and learn more about their behavior, habitat, and unique adaptations.

The best birdwatching destinations in New Zealand include Tiritiri Matangi Island, Kapiti Island, Stewart Island, and the Otago Peninsula. Each of these locations offers unique birdwatching experiences, from spotting the elusive kiwi in its natural habitat to observing massive albatross colonies. Don’t believe us? Look out for their incredible luminescent blue, green, and purple feathers – you’ll soon be blown away.Waikato: Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari lies in this district, a fenced-in ecological “island” teeming with native flora and fauna, including impressive bird watching.

Many of New Zealand's birds are endemic to the country, that is, they are not found in any other country. Approximately 71% of the bird species breeding in New Zealand before humans arrived are widely accepted as being endemic. [1]The Takahe is classified as endangered and is one of the rarest bird species in New Zealand. How many Kakapo are left in the world? The North Island also has several birdwatching destinations, including Tiritiri Matangi Island, Miranda Shorebird Centre, and Kapiti Island. These islands are home to a significant number of New Zealand’s endangered bird species. Birdwatching Tours in New Zealand Buildings with lead nails and flashing are also a problem. Lead is attractive to kea because it is soft to chew and has a sweet taste to them, and this can result in lead poisoning. Albatross: Within the city limits of southern Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula is a windswept finger of land where sea lions, penguins, and albatross can be seen. In fact, it's the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross anywhere in the world. The amazing birds can have a full wingspan of 10 feet.