Shy Heathwren

The only sunbird throughout much of its range, where it is found in forests, parks, and gardens. Male is green above, white below, with purple throat, breast, and half-collar. Only male possesses a forked tail. Female duller, greenish above, paler olive-yellow below. Often seen foraging in flowers and gleaning insects from foliage, frequently hovering while doing so.

The largest living rail in the world, endemic to New Zealand. Considered extinct until it was famously rediscovered in the Murchison Mountains in 1948. The wild population remains in the Murchison Mountains; the species has been translocated to predator-free offshore islands and mainland sanctuaries, and recently reintroduced to northwest Kahurangi National Park. Note distinct iridescent plumage, white undertail, and huge bright red conical bill that extends onto the forehead. Often heard giving a quiet hooting contact call, or a muted boom. Australasian Swamphen (Pukeko) can look similar, but Takahe are much larger, can’t fly, and have no black on wings or back.

A small, sharp-billed warbler-like bird. Note the yellow throat and the broad white spectacles around the eyes. Found in montane forest and lush gardens and scrub, usually in hyperactive flocks. Similar to Abyssinian White-eye, and some individuals are difficult to separate, but generally shows a broader eye-ring. Most common call is a high-pitched rising rattle. Song is a subdued, chatty sequence of “chew” notes.