Here are 7 common introduced birds that you are sure to see in New Zealand. These birds are widespread across the country and range from sea level to the upper slopes of the mountains.
I think it’s so cool to observe nature, whether it’s a grizzly bear, a tiny mayfly, or a rare, huge Kauri tree. It’s cool to see those unique species, but it’s equally special to see common species. One aspect of nature that you are guaranteed to see no matter where you are is birds. You can see birds outside your window at home, in the forest, at the beach, or up the mountains. Here are some of the most common introduced birds in New Zealand.
About The Common Introduced Birds
Unfortunately, there are a lot of introduced birds in NZ (41 introduced species of bird). I say unfortunately because they may be cool to see, but in some cases they do displace and outcompete the native species. Since people arrived to NZ, 35 bird species have gone extinct and many more are threatened. Introduced species (birds, mammals, and others) have contributed to their demise.
People introduced lots of different species to New Zealand, including plants, mammals, and birds. The reasons behind the introductions varied from a desire to provide food, seeking a biological control, or simply for sentimental reasons. Whatever the initial reason, they are here now and make up part of NZ’s wildlife.
7 Common Introduced Birds In New Zealand
Here are some of the most common introduced birds in New Zealand. These are not listed in any particular order, just kind of how I sorted them.
Common Myna
This bird was brought to NZ from India and is now very common across the North Island. If you visit the South Island you won’t see this, but in the North Island it’s everywhere.
Blackbird
These birds were introduced to New Zealand from Europe. Blackbirds were introduced simply because new immigrants from Britain missed them. They are now found all over the country and are often seen in urban areas. Strangely, female and juvenile or young blackbirds are brown!
Starling
This is another bird that is very widespread and common in open, urban, and rural areas.
Chaffinch
This is perhaps the most common introduced bird species in NZ. It can be found from sea level up to 1,400 meters, and from Cape Reinga down to Ivercargil. The chaffinch was brought to NZ from Europe.
Australian Magpie
This large black and white bird is commonly seen around farm land or parks. They are all over the North Island and across the dry eastern side of the South Island.
House Sparrow
This ubiquitous bird is often seen in flocks in urban or rural areas. It was introduced to NZ from Europe and is now widespread. These were brought to eat insects that ate crops.
Eastern Rosella
I have to put this bird on the list just because it’s so cool to see. It’s not quite as common as the others, but it’s beautiful. It can be found only in the North Island in urban and rural areas. It’s a small, very brightly colored bird. It’s head and neck are bright red with a yellow/green body. Most of the time I don’t get to watch it as it disappears in a small flock. All I see is a flash of bright red and yellow.