Great Shrike-Tyrant

Small stub-tailed wren of tropical woodland, commonest in drier areas, uncommon and local in humid areas. Often more visible than other small forest wrens, clambering at mid-levels in open understory. Note the ‘blank’ whitish face and broad whitish eyebrow, along with a fairly short tail that is often held cocked. Song is short pleasant warble, tiddle-ee or tiddle-ee-oo, simpler than songs of most wrens.

A compact raptor endemic to New Zealand, with streaky cream-and-brown breast and reddish-brown undertail. In flight, note rapid beating of long pointed wings, and long rounded tail shape while gliding. Females are much larger than males. Widely distributed throughout New Zealand in native and exotic forest, as well as in tussock grassland and farmland. Will aggressively dive-bomb intruders close to nesting sites. Distinctive “kek-kek-kek” call given during attacks. Similar to Swamp Harrier but smaller; rarely feeds on road kill, actively chases prey, and glides with wings set flat rather than a shallow “V” shape like the Swamp Harrier.

Spiffy warbler found in boggy areas. Blue-gray above and yellow below with distinctive yellow spectacles and necklace of black streaks. Legs are pale orange. Females show fainter necklace than males. Typically found in low vegetation, especially wet woods and thickets. Nests on the ground. Feeds on insects. One of the longest-distance migrant warblers; winters in South America.