The Kāhu, or Swamp Harrier, is a large, graceful raptor often seen gliding low over wetlands and grasslands. With a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters, it possesses distinctive brown and cream plumage that helps it blend seamlessly into its environment.

These birds are skilled hunters, preying on a variety of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Kāhu often work in pairs to flush out prey from dense vegetation. During the breeding season, they construct large nests from reeds and grasses, typically situated in low shrubs or among reeds, protecting their young.

Kākā are now a common sight on the island,as they fly around in ‘hoons’ and their loud, rhythmic “ka-aa” calls echo through the trees before they're even seen. These large, olive-brown parrots with a distinctive red-orange underwing and crimson belly, have fast become a unique part of island life.

Kākā populations on the mainland have suffered due to stoat predation, particularly impacting nesting females and chicks. Offshore predator-free islands offer the best sanctuary for these parrots. Thanks to conservation efforts across Waiheke, particularly the reduction in stoat numbers over the past 5 years The population has exploded.

Kākāriki are vibrant emerald-green parakeets - hence their name. They also have a characteristic red spot or ‘crown’ on their head. These beautiful birds were once widespread but populations on the mainland were decimated with predation by rats, possums, and stoats.

Kākāriki are now primarily found on pest-free islands, such as nearby Tiritiri Matangi and Motuihe. With sightings on Waiheke becoming more frequent, it is hoped that they will soon feel safe enough to make Waiheke home too.

The Kārearea, or NZ Falcon, is a magnificent bird of prey known for its sharp talons, keen eyesight, and swift flight—capable of flying at speeds over 100 km/h! This agile hunter targets small birds and insects, characterized by its dark brown plumage and distinctive white throat.

The Kārearea is capable of rapid dives and aerial acrobatics, often hunting in open grasslands, forests, and scrubland. It is a rare sight on the island, occasionally seen flying overhead. They resemble the Kāhu, but if you look carefully, they have a smaller wingspan, different plumage, and are much faster!

Kāruhiruhi are known for their curious personalities, often hanging around fishing boats or bobbing in and out of the water—they certainly keep us entertained. Black on the back and white on the front in full pied style, they are Waiheke’s most common shag, often seen gliding gracefully over coastal waters or perched on trees by the shore.

 A common sight in bays and estuaries, you can see them spreading out and flapping their wings to dry off after a hunt. Kāruhiruhi are powerful fishers, using their strong beaks and sharp eyesight to catch fish underwater.

Fat, feathered, and fabulous, the Kererū is often heard before it’s seen, thanks to the loud beating of its wings. Kererū are seed-spreading machines; without them, our ecosystem would face decline. Being the only remaining species that can eat whole fruit more than 10mm, they are responsible for eating and spreading fruit from at least 70 different species of native plants. Kererū also have the occasional drunken episode, when they take on a bit too much fruit which then ferments.

Kororā are the world's smallest penguin species at just 25cm high! These primarily nocturnal birds leave their burrows at dusk to feed at sea and return at dawn. They can be quite noisy, with guttural calls sometimes keeping coastal residents awake at night! 

Kororā come ashore for two weeks between November and March, to shed their old feathers and replace them with shiny new ones. They are especially at risk during this time as they cannot swim. Dogs are a significant threat to Kororoā, so keep dogs on leads around nesting areas. They are also predated on by stoats and predator control is crucial for their protection.

The kōtuku ngutupapa, or royal spoonbill, is a striking white waterbird with a distinctive spoon-shaped bill.  A beautiful breeding plumage including a crest of long, wispy feathers adds to their regal appearance. Although not native, royal spoonbills are now a relatively common sight across Aotearoa, with numbers steadily increasing. 

On Waiheke Island, they can occasionally be spotted in wetlands and coastal areas, adding a touch of grace to the island’s diverse birdlife. They sweep their broad bills through the water in a unique motion, to catch fish, crustaceans, and other small aquatic creatures.

Korimako, or bellbirds, are known for their melodious song, but they're also vital for regenerating our ngahere. They feed on nectar with their brush-like tongues and on fruit, which helps both pollinate flowers and disperse seeds. 

Korimako live in healthy native bush, often near the coast. Olive-green and slightly smaller than a blackbird, they have a small, downward-curving beak. Though widespread in NZ, predators keep their numbers low. They thrive in predator-free areas including several islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke doesn’t have an established population yet… but they have been spotted!

Kōtare are easily recognisable by their bright blue and green plumage and large black beak. These skilled hunters are often seen perched on trees or power lines, scanning the ground for prey. Their beaks are so aerodynamic that they inspired the design of Japanese bullet trains! 

Kōtare nest in hollow trees or banks and are adaptable to a variety of habitats, from coastal cliffs to urban areas. With their distinctive call and impressive hunting abilities, they are a beloved native species on Waiheke.

The Kuaka, or Bar-tailed Godwit, arrives in Aotearoa in early September after a remarkable 11,000 km / 10-day migration from Alaska, the longest journey of any bird species. They rely on fat reserves, sometimes doubling their weight before migration! 

These birds are relatively inconspicuous in looks, with pale brown plumage, long legs, and beaks for feeding on molluscs and crustaceans. On Waiheke, they settle on the Blackpool estuary among dotterels and oystercatchers.

Ōi, or grey-faced petrels, are large, dark seabirds native to Tīkapa Moana, the Hauraki Gulf. With their narrow wings and hooked beak, they are agile hunters at sea, known for their powerful flight and high-pitched whistles. However, stoats and rats pose a significant threat on land, particularly to breeding adults whose coordination is weaker on solid ground. Seabird colonies are often attractive to dogs due to their strong smell, so it’s vital to manage dogs responsibly near Waiheke’s coastline to protect these iconic birds!

Parekareka, or spotted shag, certainly win the title of Waiehek’s most striking seabird, especially when in breeding colors with greeny blue skin around their eyes ! They sport a mix of gray, black, and white feathers with distinctive spots along their wings, giving them their name - and of course mohawk-like feathers on their head. 

Like the pied shag, these birds are expert divers, plunging into the sea to catch small fish. They are a rare sight on our motu and are the only yellow-footed shag species endemic to New Zealand. They are slightly smaller and more slender than the pied shag.

The pāteke, or brown teal duck, is one of New Zealand’s rarest waterfowl, and can be found in some wetland areas around Waiheke. With dark brown plumage and a distinctive white eye ring, these ducks are often nocturnal, foraging for invertebrates and vegetation in shallow waters. Their numbers have dwindled due to habitat loss and predation by introduced species. And so, conservation efforts, including predator control and habitat protection, are essential for the survival of this monogamous species, whose ducklings rely on both parents for protection during the 50-55 days until they fledge.

The iridescent pīpīwharauroa is one of the smallest members of the cuckoo family. As a seasonal visitor to New Zealand, this bird is welcomed with its very own whakataukī: “Ka tangi te wharauroa, ko ngā karere a Mahuru” (“If the shining cuckoo cries, it is the messenger of spring”). 

Known for their strange parenting strategy of brood parasitism, shining cuckoos lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, often the riroriro (grey warbler), who then rear their young. This unique behavior is a fascinating adaptation that helps them thrive in their seasonal migration to Aotearoa.

Arguably one of the most charismatic manu of the ngahere, the pīwakawaka (fantail), is a strategic insect hunter. Flushing out insects with their own movements, hawking—waiting from a perch then swooping down, or shadowing other species (including humans!) to catch the insects disturbed by their movement. Their fan tail, which contributes to about half of their overall length, allows them to twist and turn in mid-flight with speed and ease to get to their prey. Pīwakawaka are vulnerable to extreme weather events, rats, and other introduced predators (like stoats). Yet fortunately for them, they are excellent breeders, and they can nest up to 4-5 times per season, each nest containing 2-5 eggs. This has helped keep their population stable!

The poaka is a striking wading bird known for its distinctive black and white plumage and long, thin legs. Commonly found in estuaries and wetlands, poaka use their sharp bills to forage for crustaceans, insects, and molluscs in the mud. 

These elegant birds add life to coastal habitats with their loud, distinctive calls and graceful movements.They’re very social, feeding and roosting together in what can become large and noisy flocks. During the breeding season, poaka form monogamous pairs and nest in sand or gravel.

Pūkeko, with its bright blue plumage and long legs, are a common sight on Waiheke. These swamp hens, often likened to dinosaurs due to their ancient appearance, are known for their loud calls and territorial behavior. 

Pūkeko live in family groups, with their fluffy black chicks often guarded by multiple adults. While primarily herbivores, pukeko may also hunt for extra protein to feed their chicks.

Whether you love or loathe them, their antics are a staple of Waiheke’s wetlands.

The pūtangitangi, or paradise duck, is one of Aotearoa's most recognizable and vocal ducks. Males have dark greyish-black plumage, while females sport white heads and chestnut bodies.

These endemic ducks are often found in pairs, as they mate for life, and their loud honking calls can be heard across wetlands and grassy areas. They feed primarily on grasses but also forage for aquatic plants and invertebrates. Paradise ducks return to the same spot each year to nest and are territorial, engaging in vocal displays to defend their patch.

Spotless crake are small dark birds with orange-pink legs, a black beak, and characteristic bright red eyes. It is a secretive bird that lives in freshwater wetlands, rarely venturing far from the cover of vegetation during daylight. 

Their habitat has been widely lost across New Zealand because of the conversion of lowland wetlands to agriculture. Given they are infrequently seen, it may be easier to hear a spotless crake. They have several different calls including a short 'pit-pit', repeated 'mook' sounds, and a loud long trilling 'purr'.

Ruru are small owls with dark brown plumage and striking yellow-green eyes. Their haunting “more-pork” call is a distinctive and familiar sound at night. Ruru are solitary hunters, preying on insects, small birds, and mammals.

Rival males sometimes engage in vocal duets, with their calls echoing through the forest. With their silent flight and sharp hunting skills, ruru are a vital part of Waiheke’s nocturnal ecosystem, contributing to the balance of the island’s wildlife.

New Zealand dotterels have nested at spots around Waiheke for many years, however, there are only 2,075 remaining in New Zealand due to introduced predators, and the loss or disturbance of habitat. 

Dotterels are fearless parents, and they will put themselves in danger to lead predators away from nests; by acting as decoys and feigning injury. These disturbances can result in nests failing - as they put stress on the birds and can result in eggs becoming cold. Hence it is important to keep pets away from known nesting areas.

The Matuku moana, or white-faced heron, inhabits the corners of our island in an elegant, sculpture-like form. With its stone-like blue-grey plumage and striking white face, it is a frequent visitor to New Zealand's wetlands and fields. As a wader bird, it is often seen stalking through shallow waters with poise, being a master of patience and waiting for the perfect moment to snatch up fish and crustaceans.

Known for its adaptability, the white-faced heron often shares its habitat with humans, allowing for close encounters. Nesting high in trees, these herons raise their young in loose colonies, showcasing their strong family bonds. Their screeching noises are a familiar sound across Waiheke.

Tākapu are striking seabirds with black and white plumage, buff-yellow heads and a 2-metre wingspan. They’re a relatively common sight from the ferry and are often spotted soaring near Onetangi.,

Tākapu nest in large colonies, predominantly in places that are surrounded by the sea (islands or headlands). Accomplished divers - they plunge from heights of up to 30 meters to catch fish. During the breeding season they partake in elaborate courtship displays bowing and pointing their heads skywards and preening each other - it must be successful as they usually form lifelong pairs.

Tara, are a striking seabird with sleek bodies, white underparts, and a distinctive black cap, they’re often called the "sea swallow" for their graceful flight as they search for fish and invertebrates. Though slight in form, their wingspan can reach up to 82 cm. 

They are often seen at Matiatia ferry terminal, but across Aotearoa, their population has declined markedly over the last 40 years, and they are currently regarded as an At-Risk/Declining species.They nest in dense colonies which provide little protection against introduced mammalian predators.

The Tākapu, or Black-backed Gull, is one of New Zealand's most widespread gulls, easily identified by its striking black back and bright yellow bill. These birds are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, from coastal areas to urban settings. Known for their aggressive scavenging behavior, they often steal food from other seabirds and are quick to take advantage of human food sources.

Their loud calls and bold personality make them a familiar presence, especially near beaches and piers. During the breeding season, they build their nests on the ground in loose colonies, where they fiercely defend their territory.

The Tarāpunga, or Red-billed Gull, is famously known as the hot chips stealer or skyrat. Despite its slightly annoying criminal tendencies and noise disturbance, it is a rather striking bird with beautiful plumage. Unfortunately, this iconic species is declining, with significant decreases in the largest colonies.

Their loud, raucous calls are a common backdrop for our island; it just wouldn’t be the same without them! Nesting in colonies, these gulls build their nests on rocky shores or cliffs, often returning to the same site year after year.

The tauhou, or silvereye, is a small, yellowish-green bird easily recognized by the white ring around its eye. Though a relatively recent addition to New Zealand’s birdlife, arriving from Australia in the 1850s, the tauhou has become one of the most abundant native species. 

Found across a wide range of habitats, from sea level to 1200m, these birds are known for their sweet, chirpy calls. Their name, tauhou, means “stranger” or “new arrival” in Māori, reflecting their relatively recent introduction to Aotearoa.

Another familiar Waiheke resident, Tūī are very vocal, with tuneful notes interspersed with coughs, grunts, and wheezes! These vocal acrobatics are enabled by their dual voice boxes, which allow them to mimic many sounds. They’re also known as the Parson’s bird because of their white neck ‘ruff’. 

Tūī are Important pollinators for our native flora, as they feed mainly on nectar from the flowers of native plants. Hearing the unique songs of the tūī across Waiheke is a good sign of successful habitat restoration and predator control.

Weka are curious, cheeky, and mischievous. These chicken-sized rails are opportunists, raiding gardens, chicken coops, and even stealing objects like cutlery, clothes, and keys. They usually take items to nearby cover, so it's best to watch where they go and retrieve them later. 

Weka have a vast diet, eating fruit, invertebrates, eggs, lizards, birds, and small mammals—they’ve even been seen chasing stoats. Once a rare sight, Weka have thrived on Waiheke in recent years and have gradually populated most of the motu.