Coastal Characters: Discover the Fascinating Birdlife of New Zealand’s Shores

New Zealand’s coastline is an absolute smorgasbord for birdwatchers and all lovers of nature, with brilliantly diverse birdlife dotting the landscape. These avian inhabitants contribute to the rich tapestry of life that characterises the coasts of Aotearoa. Between the South Island’s rocky shores and the North Island’s sandy beaches, there are many fascinating birds that call the coasts of New Zealand their home just waiting to be immortalised by a camera lens or in our mind’s eye after the perfect exploratory holiday.

White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae):

The white-faced heron is a common sight along the country’s coastline, often seen searching for its next meal as it stalks the shallows. Boasting slate-grey plumage, a long neck, and dagger-like bill, the white-faced heron is known for its stealth and patience, cautiously waiting before striking at prey with lightning speed. These adaptable birds are found in all rang

e of coastal habitats, dwelling in estuaries and mudflats and strutting alongside rocky shores and tidal pools.

White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata):

Known for its striking black cap and delicate grey hues, the white-fronted tern is a graceful seabird which can be spotted along New Zealand’s coasts and offshore islands. Often viewed darting and diving over the waves, the white-fronted tern is very agile. This bird will plunge into the water to catch small fish and squid. During breeding season, white-fronted terns form colonies on cliffs and beaches, where they will gather seaweed and other materials to construct their nests.

Yellow-headed Gannet (Morus serrator):

Also known as the Australasian gannet, the yellow-headed gannet is a large seabird that takes to offshore islands around New Zealand’s coastline, where it will breed in colonies. With slender wings and a uniquely golden-yellow head, the yellow-headed gannet is something quite spectacular to behold as it soars over the ocean, catching fish near the surface with expert precision. These seabirds are renowned for their courtship displays, which involve complex aerial manoeuvres and nest-building rituals.

Migrating Godwits:

New Zealand’s coastal wetlands and estuaries hold great importance for migrating godwits, as these long-distance travellers journey thousands of kilometres each year and require the perfect destination for a layover. These birds must make the voyage from their breeding grounds in the Arctic onwards to their wintering grounds in New Zealand to rest and recharge. Bar-tailed godwits and Eastern godwits are the two species that undertake this long flight, and their epic migrations will continue onwards, once they’ve taken a well-earned rest stop in New Zealand’s coastal habitats.

Mollymawks:

Mollymawks, a type of medium-sized albatross, are very familiar to New Zealand’s coastal waters, where they glide easily along the ocean breezes. As graceful flyers with impressive wingspans, mollymawks have adapted well to a life at sea, where they spend much of their time foraging for fish, squid, and other marine creatures. Species like the white-capped mollymawk and the Buller’s mollymawk are often observed following behind fishing boats, chasing discarded scraps.

Pied Cormorants (Phalacrocorax varius):

Pied cormorants, also known as pied shags, are often seen perched on rocky outcrops, drying their wings in the sun and warming themselves in preparation for the next dive. Their glossy black plumage is, unfortunately, not waterproof, meaning that they must spend longer preening and restoring their feathers. With white markings and distinctive hooked bills, pied cormorants are easy to identify. These divers are quite adept at catching fish underwater and can stay under for longer, using powerful feet and streamlined bodies to propel themselves swiftly after their prey.

Spotted Cormorants (Phalacrocorax punctatus):

The spotted cormorant, or pārekareka in Māori, is a smaller species of cormorant endemic to New Zealand. Its dark plumage, small black spots, and interesting blue eyes make it quite a charismatic bird, primarily inhabiting the coastal waters of the South Island. Feeding mainly on small fish and crustaceans, the spotted cormorant will use its sharp bill and webbed feet to capture prey beneath the surface of the water.

The Yellow-eyed Penguin

Known for its distinguishing yellow eyes and slender red-brown and cream bill, the yellow-eyed penguin can only be seen in New Zealand and poses a great reason to visit the South Island. Endangered due to habitat loss and predation, these penguins are the focal point of different conservation efforts. Renowned for their solitary nature and distinctive braying call, these tall and heavy birds spend their days foraging at sea. As their numbers dwindle, the importance of protecting New Zealand’s precious coastal habitats becomes ever clearer.

Visiting New Zealand for bird photography is an incomparable joy. From the majestic albatross gliding high above to the whimsical, yellow-eyed penguin waddling along the shores, every moment is a unique experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. The thrill of sighting rare species in their natural habitats is unmatched. Each click of the shutter immortalises these avian wonders, igniting a passion for conservation and a deep appreciation for the thriving little lives that exist in New Zealand’s coastal sanctuaries.