Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch
Emberizoides herbicola
Among all the streaky sparrowlike birds of open grassy habitats in its range, Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch is unique with its long spiky tail. Also note the stout yellow bill. Otherwise rather pale brown overall, clean buffy below with thick black streaks on back. If seen well, back and wings are suffused with a yellow tone. Similar to Lesser Grass-Finch, but is larger, darker and lacks a white throat. Look for singles or pairs in grassy or brushy fields, often announcing their presence with a chip note.
Identification
Among all the streaky sparrowlike birds of open grassy habitats in its range, Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch is unique with its long spiky tail. Also note the stout yellow bill. Otherwise rather pale brown overall, clean buffy below with thick black streaks on back. If seen well, back and wings are suffused with a yellow tone. Similar to Lesser Grass-Finch, but is larger, darker and lacks a white throat. Look for singles or pairs in grassy or brushy fields, often announcing their presence with a chip note.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Emberizoides herbicola
- Authority
- (Vieillot, 1817)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Thraupidae
- Genus
- Emberizoides
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds

Wire-tailed Swallow
Hirundo smithii
A very distinctive swallow with two long, thin feathers on its outer tail from which it gets its name. It has brilliant glossy blue upperparts and a chestnut forehead and crown that contrasts with clean white underparts. Females and juveniles have shorter tails. Found in grasslands, wetlands, open scrublands, cultivated areas and near water. Typically seen in singles, pairs, or sometimes small flocks.

Pin-tailed Parrotfinch
Erythrura prasina
A beautiful ghostlike bird that materializes in large numbers during rice harvest and bamboo seeding events, and promptly vanishes afterwards. Male is leaf green with a blue face and reddish belly. Female has a more faded blue face and lacks the red belly. Both sexes have a point-tipped tail, but the male’s is substantially longer. Forages in flocks, often dangling off of bamboo tips or seeding rice heads, giving high thin “tseep” notes.

Snares Snipe
Coenocorypha huegeli
A small, stocky wader endemic to New Zealand. Dark brown and black, with barred feathers on the belly. Native to on the Snares Islands, but introduced to Putauhina and Codfish Islands. Found in areas with dense vegetation cover, but will move into less covered areas at night to feed. Rarely flies. Male call is a “chup chup chup” sometimes building to a “queeyoo queeyoo queeyoo.”
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.