Oak Titmouse

Large dotterel endemic to New Zealand. Pale gray-brown above, white to off-white below in non-breeding season. When breeding, underparts are varying levels of orange-red. Southern subspecies is larger and darker than northern subspecies, with more extensive red. Northern breeds on beaches and sandspits around most of the North Island coast, but sparsely on west coast and southern east coast. Many move to estuaries after breeding. Southern breeds only on subalpine habitat of Stewart Island, with some individuals traveling to estuaries and mudflats to feed. Southern winters along estuaries and rivers of Stewart Island and Awarua Bay, Southland; some birds wander farther during winter.

Tiny woodpecker of gallery and coastal forests, including mangroves. Variable in appearance; generally told from other piculets by lack of barring or scalloping on belly, although many individuals have some barring on breast and irregular black spotting on flanks, whereas some are almost entirely unmarked below. Forages at middle and canopy levels, alone or with mixed-species flocks. Climbs along branches and vines, boring into decaying wood for insect prey.

Small but brightly-colored woodpecker with a spiky crest. Slight variation across its range, but all birds have a dark orangish face, dark chestnut wings, black-and-white-striped underparts, and a dark tail. Female duller overall, with a plainer face. Inhabits lowland and foothill forests, edges, and gardens, where it can be reasonably common. Often seen singly, but can be encountered in closely-foraging pairs. Favors tall thick trunks. Gives sharp “kek” or “week” call notes. Difficult to confuse with any other small woodpecker.