New Zealand fairy tern/tara-iti

Fairy tern chicks in nest. Photo: G.R.Parrish.

New Zealand fairy tern/tara-iti chicks in nest

With a population of around 36 individuals that includes only ten breeding pairs, the New Zealand fairy tern is probably New Zealand's rarest breeding bird. It is ranked as an endangered species, and carries a 'Category A' priority for conservation action. A Department of Conservation Recovery Plan is currently in action.
New Zealand fairy tern/tara-iti chick in nest, among shells, Mangawhai. Photo: G.R.Parrish.

Facts about New Zealand fairy tern/tara-iti

Did you know that the New Zealand fairy tern/tara-iti is the smallest tern to breed in NZ? Learn more interesting facts about this endangered tern.

NZ fairy tern chicks on nest right under the shoe. Photo: G R Parrish.

Threats to New Zealand fairy tern/tara-iti

The list of threats to New Zealand fairy tern/tara-iti includes habitat destruction, introduced predators and human activities that disturb their nests.

NZ fairy tern chick, hand held with wing out-stretched, Waipu. Photo: G R Parrish.

DOC's work with New Zealand fairy tern/tara-iti

Learn about DOC's ongoing efforts to protect the endangered New Zealand fairy tern/tara-iti.

NZ fairy tern chick, hand held, Mangawhai. Photo: G R Parrish.

You can help New Zealand fairy tern/tara-iti

Find out how you can be involved in conservation efforts for the New Zealand fairy tern/tara-iti.

Highlights:

Image from the Meet the Locals - Fairy terns video. Image copyright: TVNZ.

Fairy terns video

With only around 40 left, the NZ fairy tern is one of NZ's most endangered birds. Find out how DOC and local schoolchildren are trying to protect them.

Image from the Meet the Locals - Fairy tern (Auckland Zoo) video. Image copyright: TVNZ.

Fairy tern (Auckland Zoo) video

The fairy tern is New Zealand’s most endangered birds, with only around thirty birds in existence. Learn how Auckland Zoo keeps their precious eggs safe.

 
 

Find out more

Publication

New Zealand fairy tern/tara-iti brochure

New Zealand fairy tern (Sterna nereis davisae) recovery plan, 2005-15 (PDF, 259K)
Publication
A fisher's guide to New Zealand seabirds
Information

Read a blog about discovering fairy terns Lisa Riding's blog

Contact

DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number

Phone 0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468) to report:

Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings

 

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