Learn about the importance of wetlands to New Zealand's birdlife.
The endangered Australasian bittern/Matuku inhabits wetlands throughout New Zealand.
The handsome Australasian crested grebe belongs to an ancient order of diving water birds found on every continent in the world.
Kakī, or black stilt, is a native wading bird, found only in New Zealand.
The whio/blue duck is endemic to New Zealand. As the only member of its genus, the whio has a number of unique anatomical and behavioural features.
The brown teal/pāteke is a small dabbling duck endemic to New Zealand.
The paradise shelduck is New Zealand's only shelduck, a worldwide group of large, often semi-terrestrial waterfowl that have goose-like features.
The pukeko is probably one of the most recognised native birds in New Zealand with its distinctive colourings and habit of feeding on the ground.
Subantarctic teal include the Auckland Island teal and the distinctly different Campbell Island teal.
The white heron (or kōtuku) has always been rare in New Zealand and it has attained almost mythical status, revered by both Māori and pakeha for its elegant white feathers.
Video: possum problem for NZ plants and birds
Birds of prey - Te Ara Encyclopedia of NZ
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