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.
The North Island Robin (Petroica longipes), or Toutouwai, is a small, inquisitive bush bird. This image shows it among leaf litter on the bush floor, highlighting its curious nature and the quiet beauty of New Zealand’s native bush habitats.
The New Zealand Dabchick (Poliocephalus rufopectus), or Weweia, is a small, endemic waterbird known for its diving skills. This photograph captures it gliding across a lake in the soft light of late afternoon, showcasing the delicate movements and serene habitat of this native bird.
The New Zealand Falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae), or Kārearea, is a native raptor known for its speed and keen hunting skills. This photograph shows it perched on a post at Wingspan Birds of Prey Centre, capturing the alert posture and sharp gaze of one of Aotearoa’s most impressive Forest birds.
The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is a nocturnal bird of prey introduced to New Zealand. This image captures the owl perched on a handler’s glove during the day at Wingspan Birds of Prey Centre, highlighting its striking white plumage and quiet presence.
The Buller’s Mollymawk (Thalassarche bulleri), or Toroa, is a medium-sized albatross native to New Zealand waters. This photograph captures it gracefully flying over the sea, showcasing the elegance and freedom of our native seabirds.
