New Zealand

New Zealand Fur Seal

Arctocephalus forsteri Kaikoura, New Zealand

Weka

Gallirallus australis Not only is the Weka endemic to New Zealand, there are only a few locations within the country that this large flightless bird can be found. Flightless birds like the Weka, Pukeko, and Kakapo are easily extripated by non-native mammilian predators like cats, stoats, and mongoose. Marlborough Sound, New Zealand

Glow Worms

Arachnocampa sp. Glow worms are not actually worms, but various types of insect larvae that glow using bioluminescene. In New Zealand, the Arachnocampa species (a fly larva) of glow worm predominates. Bioluminescence serves different purposes for different animals, and even among glow worms, the purpose of the "glow" depends upon the species. In New Zealand, the glow of these larvae serves as a lure to attract smaller prey, such as midges, closer to the glow worm, where they will become ensnared in sticky threads. Waipu Cave, New Zealand

Sacred Kingfisher

Todiramphus sanctus This adept young kingfisher has paused to dine on the numerous crabs that scurry about a tidal mud flat. Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand Fur Seal

Arctocephalus forsteri Tonga Island, New Zealand

Welcome Swallows

Hirundo neoxena Once confined to Australia, Welcome Swallows colonized New Zealand in the 1950's without any help from humans. They are a self-introduced species. Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand Bellbird

Anthornis melanura The endemic bellbird, a member of the honeyeater family and only found in New Zealand, gets it's name for the rich, bell-like notes that are sung at dawn. Marlborough Sound, New Zealand

Variable Oystercatcher

Haematopus unicolor Worldwide, oystercatchers come in "black" and "pied" (black and white) varieties. Regardless of geographic location, black oystercatchers can be found on rocky coasts while pied oystercatchers are found on beaches. Both kinds are found in New Zealand. This variable oystercatcher - and member of the black oystercatcher brethren - is right at home in this rocky coast environment. Kaikoura, New Zealand

Australian Pied Cormorant (Shag)

Phalacrocorax varius Goat Island, New Zealand

New Zealand Fur Seal pups

Arctocephalus forsteri Kaikoura, New Zealand

Tui

Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae This common New Zealand endemic, like it's cousin the bellbird, is a member of the honeyeater family. Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

White-faced Heron

Egretta novaehollandiae As a generalist of nearly all wetland habitats in New Zealand, the White-faced Heron has become New Zealand's most prolific wading bird. Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

White-fronted Tern

Sterna striata New Zealand's most abundant species of tern is found exclusively in marine environments. Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand

New Zealand Fur Seal

Arctocephalus forsteri Kaikoura, New Zealand

California Quail

Callipepla californica This non-native species of gamefowl has been established in New Zealand since 1862. Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

White-fronted Terns

Sterna striata These terns often flock or roost in large groups, such as this gathering at the Poor Knights Islands. Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand

New Zealand Fur Seal

Arctocephalus forsteri Kaikoura, New Zealand

Masked Lapwing

Vanellus miles Also known as the Spurwing Plover in some areas of the world, this odd looking bird can be found on mud flats and lagoon margins...or on your local golf course or highway corridor. Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

Silvereyes

Zosterops lateralis The silvereye is another self-introduced bird to New Zealand. It is believed that the population founding individuals that first reached New Zealand were driven here by a storm from Tasmania. Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand