Picturing the Birds of New Zealand Quiz

The takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri) is a rare, flightless bird native to New Zealand, notable for its vivid blue and green feathers and strong red beak. It was once believed to be extinct until a small population was found in the remote South Island mountains in the mid-20th century. It lives in alpine grasslands and is a conservation success story.

The kōtare, also called the sacred kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus) has a striking blue-green back and pale underside. It's a skilled predator that feeds on a wide range of prey, including insects, lizards, and small fish. It often perches quietly before swooping down to catch its food.

The pūkeko, or Australasian swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus) is a bold, colourful bird with deep blue feathers, a red bill, and long legs. It's commonly seen in wetlands and grassy areas and is known for its noisy calls and social nature. It often lives in groups and builds nests in dense vegetation. Unlike its cousin the takahē, the pūkeko is capable of flight.

The pīwakawaka, or New Zealand fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa), is a small, energetic bird that's easily recognized by its fan-shaped tail and fluttery flight. It's often seen darting around catching insects mid-air and is known for its friendly behavior, frequently following people through the forest.

The mohua, or yellowhead (Mohoua ochrocephala), is a bright yellow forest bird native to New Zealand's South Island. It lives in beech forests and is known for its cheerful song. Its numbers have declined due to predators, but the Department of Conservation began a strategy for recovery in the early 2000s.

The kāruhiruhi, or pied shag (Phalacrocorax varius) is a coastal bird with black and white plumage. It's often seen perched with wings spread to dry after diving for fish. These birds nest in colonies and are commonly found along rocky shores and estuaries.

The kererū, or kūkupa, also known as the New Zealand pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae), is large with a glossy green and purple back and a white belly. It plays an important role in spreading seeds of native trees, as it can eat large fruits whole. Its heavy flight and distinctive wing sounds make it easy to spot.

The kākā (Nestor meridionalis) is a forest parrot with olive-brown feathers and flashes of red under its wings. It's intelligent and curious, often seen in groups making loud calls. It feeds on nectar, fruit, and insects and is active during the day.

New Zealand has two varieties of tomtit (Petroica macrocephala)... on the North Island it is known as the miromiro, while it is called the ngirungiru. It is a small bird with a compact body and upright posture. Males are black with white markings, while females are brownish. It hunts insects by watching from a perch and then quickly darting out to catch them.

The pūtangitangi, or paradise shelduck (Tadorna variegata), is a large, colourful duck with distinct differences between males and females. Females have a white head and chestnut body, while males are mostly dark. They are often seen in pairs and are very protective of their territory.

The kiwi (Apteryx australis) is a unique, flightless bird with a long beak and sensitive nostrils at the tip, which it uses to sniff out insects and worms. This New Zealand icon is nocturnal and shy, with five extant species found in different parts of the country. Its feathers are more like fur, and it lays one of the largest eggs relative to body size of any bird.

The tūī (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae), part of the honeyeater family, is a striking bird with glossy black feathers that shimmer with green and blue, and a distinctive white tuft at its throat. It's known for its complex and varied song, which includes clicks, whistles, and mimicry. It feeds on nectar and helps pollinate native plants.