AOTEA HARBOUR, NEW ZEALAND

BIRDS OF AOTEA

Aotea is a sanctuary for many special birds, not only native birds but from all over the world and it is a grand sight to see. We have always respected the birds around us and have always been careful to maintain their population. When we see these gifts around us we know our environment is well and healthy. This is one of the indicators we use to help us know the state of our harbour and the wellbeing of our people. 

These native birds were filmed and photographed by Davis Apiti in their natural environment within Aotea Harbour.

Tuturiwhatu Pukunui
Northern New Zealand Dotterel

Maori Name: Tuturiwhatu pukunui

Scientific Name: Charadrius obscurus (GMELIN,1789)


There are approximately 1400 of these endangered birds living in the northern part of New Zealand. Aotea is one of the breeding grounds for the Northern NZ dotterel and they begin nesting around September. The birds' nests are usually just a shallow hole in the ground or lined with only a few pieces of grass, weed or shell which puts them at risk because they are often unrecognisable by humans, especially when riding on their all terrain vehicles or horses. The nests and chicks are also camouflaged to match the sandy beach making it even more difficult to see and are often crushed. As well as vehicles and humans other threats to the dotterels when nesting include predators such as cats, dogs, stoats, rats, gulls and hedgehogs. Dotterels will often protect their nest areas by pretending to be injured to try and lead the threat away from the eggs. This could put the eggs at risk because when the parents are away from the eggs thechange in temperature could kill them.
So we ask that when you are visiting Aotea during the nesting season to watch out for the dotterels and help by doing the following:
- IF you see a dotterel pretending to be injured follow it and leave the area. DON'T try to find the nest

- AVOID riding on the beachfront with your all terrain vehicle or horse. If you have to please ride below the high tide mark (dotterels nest above the high tide mark)

- DO not bring unleashed pets on to the beachfront

- TRY not to walk above the high tide mark

- IF you do come across eggs or chicks please leave them alone

 

Kereru
Native Wood Pigeon

Maori name: Kereru

Scientific name: Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae

New Zealand's only native pigeon. Dramatic population decline has been attributed to hunting, habitat loss and predators. Native trees such as miro and karaka are dependent on the kereru to disperse their seeds.

Pirairaka
Fantail

Maori name: Pirairaka or Piwaiwaka or Tiwaiwaka

Scientific name: Rhipidura

These birds are very tame, trusting and curious. You will most likely see them darting from perch to perch as they chase their insect prey. In Maori culture it is believed that the quiet fantail takes the spirit of a very special person away.

TUI

Maori name: Tui

Scientific name: Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae

These beautiful native birds have a distinctive white tuft on their throat. They play an important pollinating role as they feed on the nectar and fruit of native plants, especially kowhai. They also enjoy a morsal of insects. Tui are also renowned for the strength and repertoire of their calls.

Copyright Moana Rahui o Aotea