Moss-backed Tanager

Darker overall than many other rosefinches and both sexes are readily identified. Male is dark pink above with brown wings and a lighter blossom-pink below with a bright eyebrow. Female is dark brown above and lighter below with fine streaking down the breast; like the male, she also has a pale eyebrow. Dark-rumped Rosefinch is less streaky than many otherwise similar female rosefinches. Inhabits the understory of rather open forests, scrubby edges, and meadows in montane and foothill areas, where it usually forages on the ground. Calls are usually metallic sounding.

The smallest snipe of New Zealand and the only snipe present on the Chatham Islands. A small, rotund wader with mottled brown and black plumage. Note long bill and pale lower breast and belly. Confined to Mangere, Little Mangere, Rangatira, Rabbit Islands, Star Keys, and sometimes Pitt Island. Found in dense vegetation during the day but more active at night when it moves to more open habitat. Male call is a loud “chup chup” which gradually builds to a “queeyoo queeyoo.” Harsher “chep” alarm call often heard at night. Can be heard at night performing a unique flight display known by the Maori name “hakawai.”

Adults are gray overall with a white head and dark nape. Juveniles are dark sooty-gray with a white mustache stripe. Some variation across range; Rocky Mountain birds are palest. A bird of northern latitudes and high elevations; found in coniferous forests and clearings. Almost always in pairs or small family groups. Known for friendly, inquisitive behavior. Often seen around campgrounds and roadsides, looking for food handouts. Voice consists of variable soft, husky notes.