He korero whakarapopoto
Wetland bird species
A high proportion of New Zealand’s native birds are species that live in wetlands – swamps, lakes and streams. They include:
- grebes
- bitterns
- spoonbills
- black swans
- paradise shelducks
- whio, teal and other ducks
- rails and crakes
- pūkeko
- kingfishers
- fernbirds.
Grebes
Grebes include the Australasian crested grebe (kāmana) and the New Zealand dabchick (weiweia).
Grebes are good swimmers and divers, but not so good at walking on land. They feed, sleep and build nests on water. Grebes swim with their chicks on their backs, and feed them fish.
Australasian bittern
The Australasian bittern (matuku) is shy, and hides among plants. At night and on misty days, the male makes a booming sound to attract females.
Black swan
The black swan is New Zealand’s largest wetland bird, and came from Australia. New Zealand’s extinct native swan is believed to have been the same species.
Paradise shelduck
Paradise shelducks (pūtangitangi) are often seen in pairs – the male has a black head, and the female’s is white.
Whio
The whio (blue duck) lives in wild mountain streams. It has large webbed feet which help it swim in rough water, and strong claws for climbing over logs and rocks.
New Zealand scaup
The scaup or pāpango is a small duck. It is a good diver, but clumsy on land. Scaup dive to a depth of 3 metres, and swim around underwater finding food.
Pūkeko
The pūkeko is purple-blue, with red legs and bill. Pūkeko are often seen walking around swampy areas, flicking their tails.
Kingfisher
The kingfisher (kōtare) sits on a high perch in a tree – or, in towns, on power lines. When it sees a lizard or crab move, it dives down fast to catch it.
Kingfishers tunnel out nests in clay banks or tree trunks.