You are likely to see these common New Zealand forest birds the next time you go tramping in a forest. Here are photos and information about these common birds.
The islands that eventually became the country of New Zealand became isolated from other land masses about 65 million years ago. Then for millions of years there were no mammalian predators, allowing for the birds to evolve in unique ways. About 80% of the country was covered in forest, which means there were a lot of forest birds. Here are the common forest birds you are likely to encounter these days.
Common New Zealand Forest Birds
Tui
Here is a bird that you are sure to see in the forest or even in the backyard or park. Tuis make a huge variety of sounds that are unlike anything else. Their appearance is also very distinctive, with a tuft of white feathers on their throat.
Kereru – New Zealand Wood Pigeon
The Kereru is a large forest bird. It seems too big to live in the forest.
Fantail
The fantail is another curious bird you’ll see in the forest. These little birds flutter around and sometimes they’ll come near you as you walk along a trail. They come near you because they’re curious and because they’re looking for insects that you may stir up as you walk.
Bellbird
Bellbirds live in native forests (both podocarp/broadleaf and beech). They are not as common as others, but are still quite widespread. Unfortunately, they are one of the native birds whose population has been greatly reduced by introduced predators.
Tomtit
The tomtit, like the robin, has a north island and south island species. Both of these are small birds that can be seen flitting around the forest. They’ll often be on the trunk of trees as they peer out at you.
Robin – Toutouwai
This is one of the birds that has different species on the north island and south island. They are very similar, but have a different coloring.
The south island robin is common in the forests and is always fun to come across when you go tramping. They are super curious and will hop right over by or even on your feet as they look for food! If you scrape the ground with your feet then hold still you may be able to get them to come right next to you.
Grey Warbler
This tiny bird is endemic to New Zealand. It is more often heard than seen. The grey warbler makes a long trilling song that can be heard. It’s most famous for its role in raising another birds’ young. The shining cuckoo, a much larger bird, lays eggs in the grey warbler’s nest. The grey warbler will raise the much larger young of the shining cuckoo! Their eyes are red with a black center.
Rifleman
The rifleman is a super tiny bird that you may or may not see. They are common, but their diminutive size means they are not as easy to see as a Kereru. They are also not as loud as a Tui. Look close and you’ll see the crusing around. You’ll know it’s a rifleman because they look like they have no tail.
Silvereye
These native birds can be found throughout the country. They are self-introduced, which means they migrated here on their own and now live throughout the country. They are slightly smaller than a sparrow, are olive green and have a white ring around their eye.