The Tūī (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) is one of New Zealand’s most iconic birds, known for its glossy plumage and melodic calls. In this bathing scene, it shakes its feathers on the side of the bath, sending droplets flying around, capturing the fun and energy of our native forest birds.
The Bellbird — Korimako (Anthornis melanura) — has just enjoyed a refreshing bath and now perches in the tree with its feathers all ruffled and glistening. This playful little moment captures the charm and personality of one of New Zealand’s most delightful forest birds.
The New Zealand Bellbird — Korimako (Anthornis melanura) — is a melodic songbird native to New Zealand. This individual perches quietly in the trees, its olive-green plumage blending with the foliage while its sweet song fills the bush. A lovely example of the charm and character of New Zealand’s forest birds.
The Pied Stilt, Poaka, (Himantopus leucocephalus), with its delicate long legs and black-and-white plumage, is a familiar sight along New Zealand’s waterways. This chick wades gently through the shallow water, pecking for food in the golden light of late afternoon — a tender glimpse into the daily life of our native shorebirds.
The Pied Stilt chick (Himantopus leucocephalus), Poaka, is fluffy with a soft grey-brown back, perfectly camouflaged along the water’s edge. In this late afternoon scene, it carefully wades and feeds in shallow water, showing the delicate charm of New Zealand’s native shorebirds.
The New Zealand Dotterel — Tūturiwhatu (Charadrius obscurus) — is a little shorebird with a big personality. In this shot, it’s dashing across the beach in its warm, rusty-orange breeding plumage, full of energy and purpose. These charismatic birds are a treasure of our coastlines, and moments like this show just how full of life they are.
The Kererū — also known as the New Zealand Wood Pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) — is one of Aotearoa’s most iconic forest birds. In this photo, the Kererū sits high in the branches, soaking up the early morning sun and showing off the rich iridescent greens and purples of its plumage. A serene glimpse into the beauty of New Zealand’s native birdlife.
The White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae) is a familiar sight around New Zealand’s waterways, and this early morning moment shows it quietly feeding in the calm shallows. Soft dawn light picks up the delicate grey feathers and the ripples around its legs, creating a peaceful, reflective scene.
The Black-billed Gull (Chroicocephalus bulleri), or Tarāpuka, is a graceful native gull often seen along New Zealand’s coastlines. This photograph captures the moment it lifts from the beach, feet still in the shallow water, its reflection glimmering beneath — a fleeting glimpse of motion and light.
