Forest Birds of New Zealand – A Symphony in the Trees

Step into a New Zealand forest and the first thing you’ll notice isn’t just the greenery – it’s the soundtrack. The calls, songs, and chatter of native birds give these landscapes a personality all of their own. For bird lovers, photographers, and anyone with an appreciation for nature, our forests offer the chance to see some of the country’s most treasured wildlife up close.

These birds aren’t just here to be admired – they play a vital role in keeping our ecosystems healthy. They pollinate flowers, disperse seeds, and keep insect populations in check. Whether you join a guided birdwatching tour or simply keep your eyes (and ears) open on a walk, you’ll quickly discover that each species has its own charm and story to tell.

Bellbird / Korimako

Known for its clear, bell-like song, the bellbird is a familiar voice in forests across both islands. Olive-green feathers and a touch of white around the eyes make them easy to spot if you’re quick – they dart about feeding on nectar, fruit, and insects. Bellbirds are a key pollinator for native plants, and their song is so distinctive you’ll often hear them before you see them.

Tui

It’s hard to mistake a tui. With glossy blue-green feathers, a little white tuft at the throat, and a voice that can switch from melodic to mechanical in a single phrase, they’re one of the real characters of the bush. Tui are expert fliers, and you might see them squabbling over a favourite flax flower – an important food source they help pollinate.

Fantail / Pīwakawaka

Small, sprightly, and full of personality, fantails are easy to recognise with their fanned tails and quick, darting flight. They’re not shy either – you might find one following you along a track, snapping up the insects you’ve disturbed as you walk. In Māori culture, the pīwakawaka is seen as a bringer of news or good luck, and it’s hard not to smile when one flits past.

Morepork / Ruru

If you’re walking through the forest at night, listen for the soft “more-pork” call of New Zealand’s native owl. With big, round eyes and perfectly camouflaged feathers, the morepork hunts quietly in the dark for small mammals and insects. In Māori tradition, the ruru is a guardian of the forest – a watchful presence in the trees after sunset.

Kiwi

Our national icon is shy, nocturnal, and incredibly special to see in the wild. Kiwis have a long bill for probing the forest floor, excellent hearing, and a sense of smell that helps them track down food in the dark. They’re flightless, with shaggy brown feathers, and most people will only get the chance to spot one on a night tour or in a sanctuary. Stewart Island is one of the best places to look for them in their natural habitat.

Pukeko

With striking blue feathers, long red legs, and a confident stride, pukeko are a familiar sight in wetlands and at the edges of forests. They’re social, adaptable birds, often seen in small groups, and their quirky behaviour can be endlessly entertaining to watch.

Kererū

You’ll often hear a kererū before you see it – their wingbeats are loud and unmistakable. These large, green and white wood pigeons are important seed dispersers for native trees. While they can look a little clumsy when landing on a branch, they’re a vital part of the forest ecosystem.

Experiencing Forest Birdlife in New Zealand

From dawn’s chorus to the last call of the ruru at night, New Zealand’s forests are alive with birdlife. You don’t need to be an expert birder to enjoy them – a good pair of ears and a moment to pause is often all it takes. For visitors, these encounters become lasting memories, and for locals, they’re a daily reminder of just how unique Aotearoa really is.