Brown-throated Sunbird

Round-headed diving duck. Males have black breast, medium gray back, white sides, and yellow eye. Head appears black with a greenish sheen in good lighting, never purplish. Females are brown overall, grayer on body in winter, with white patch at base of bill and yellow eye. Very similar to Lesser Scaup; note smoothly rounded head without tall peak, puffier cheeks, more extensive white stripe on wing in flight, and larger, broader bill. Can be similar to immature male and female Tufted Duck, but note smoothly rounded head and more extensive white bill base patch in females. Often in flocks with other Aythya ducks. Tends to prefer saltwater bays and coves, but also found in freshwater.

Small endemic owl widespread throughout forested areas, both native and exotic, of New Zealand. Uncommon in drier eastern areas. Nocturnal and roosts during day in dense vegetation, particularly in tree ferns. Small birds mobbing them as they roost can give away their day-time location. Mostly heard at night via their distinct double hoot call of 'more-pork'. Other calls are a monotonous 'more' or a rising 'quee' call, often given whilst hunting. Minimal overlap with introduced Little Owl, but differentiated by darker colouration, larger head, as well as longer tail. Note, rising 'quee' call can be mistaken for kiwi calls.

Hardy northern sparrow with plump body, small bill and long, thin tail. Note rusty cap and rusty (not black) eyeline, gray head and unstreaked grayish breast with dark smudge in center. Small flocks hop on ground, foraging for seeds, giving a soft, musical twitter. In winter, look for them in weedy fields with shrubs, forest edges, and marshes. Readily visit backyards. Rarely seen south of northern Canada in summer.