Black-and-gold Tanager

A small, pale plover endemic to New Zealand. Gray above, white below. Note distinctive black bill with tip curving to the right, unique to this species, used to forage under stones for invertebrates. Breeding birds have a clear black band across their chest, thinner in females and varying from absent to distinct in non-breeding or juvenile birds. Breeds only along the braided rivers of Canterbury and Otago. The majority of the population migrates north to winter in large flocks in the harbors and estuaries of the northern North Island, particularly the Firth of Thames and Manukau Harbour. Commonly heard giving a “chip” call.

A small, active warbler of lowland and mid-elevation forest understory that is green above and gray below with a noticeable pale eyebrow. Similar to migratory warblers, especially Willow Warbler, but note Uganda Woodland-Warbler’s grayer underparts, paler throat, and yellowish vent. Song is a fast, jumbled mix of high-pitched notes.

Small vireo-like bird found in variety of lightly wooded habitats from forest edges and scrub to gardens where it can be quite common; often accompanies mixed-species flocks. It has a distinctive gray head and is olive-green above with a yellow breast and an off-white belly. The song is a fast and prolonged trill, “pweeeer-pweeer-pweeer-prrre-e-e-e-e.”