The two species of gulls most commonly seen on and around our harbour and beach areas are the Southern black-backed gull (Karoro) and the red-billed gull (Tarāpunga). Nationally, both species are abundant with the red-bills occurring in much greater numbers locally. Red-billed gull (left), black-backed gull (right). Photo credit Corinne Bowie. In recent years the red-billed gull has suffered declines at their main breeding colonies. These losses are thought to be associated w

The white-faced heron (sometimes mistakenly called a blue heron) and the reef heron are both known as Matuku moana. White-faced heron. Photo credit Bevan Walker The white-faced heron is the species most commonly seen in New Zealand and is present in large numbers throughout. As its name indicates it can be recognised by its distinctive white face, neck and throat. The overall plumage colour is two-toned bluish grey, with black bill and yellow-green legs. It is a recently self

The Caspian Tern is a cosmopolitan species found in many localities throughout the world. It is thought to be a recent coloniser to New Zealand with sub-fossil remains found rarely and sightings not recorded by early naturalists until about 1860. Their population has increased slowly since then and now numbers around 1300-1400 pairs. Although widespread throughout the country they are still considered uncommon with numbers appearing to have declined since the 1990s. Their con

The pūkeko, also known as the Australasian swamphen or purple gallinule, is a member of the family of birds known as “Rails”. This family also includes a number of other species also found in New Zealand including the takahē, banded rail, weka and Australian coot. Its most famous cousin amongst these birds is the rare flightless takahē (or Notornis), now found naturally only in the Murchison mountains west of Lake Te Anau. Pūkeko. Photo credit Corinne Bowie Pūkeko have benefi

The annual migration of this Arctic wader across the Pacific Ocean to New Zealand has to be one of the most amazing feats of navigation, speed and endurance of any living animal. This journey, flying non-stop from their breeding grounds on the Alaskan tundra to their wintering grounds in New Zealand, a distance of around 11,700km, is achieved in just 8-9 days. To do this they must average speeds of around 55kph. By the time they reach here they will have lost 50% of their bod

The banded dotterel is approximately half the size of the Northern NZ dotterel, and is only present on our local beaches and harbour during the winter months. Up to 80 banded dotterels have been observed roosting at Whangamata in recent winters, usually alongside flocks of NZ dotterels. Sometimes they gather at the Beach Road wader roost site but often move around to other Whangamatā beach and harbour sites. Male banded dotterel in breeding plumage. Photo credit Bevan Walker.