Story: Small forest birds

Dawn chorus

In forest where native birds are plentiful, their chorus can be heard at dawn and dusk in the breeding season. There may be tūī (top), bellbirds (bottom), robins (right), yellowheads, whiteheads, brown creepers, saddlebacks, grey warblers and silvereyes taking part. Some species sing earlier or later than others – tūī often sing until after dark. Along the bush edges, introduced blackbirds and thrushes can also be heard.

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Sound file from Birds of New Zealand. Compact disc. © Viking Sevenseas NZ, 1980 (PO Box 152, Paraparaumu). All rights reserved.

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How to cite this page:

Christina Troup, 'Small forest birds - New Zealand’s small forest birds', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/natural-sounds/12453/dawn-chorus (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Christina Troup, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015, updated 1 Aug 2023