Birds species in Marlborough
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Marlborough is home to a wide variety of bird species, with its extensive coastline and esturine environments providing habitats for shore birds, while extensive areas of native bush support many other species.
If you have seen a bird that you need to identify, New Zealand Birds Online provides a comprehensive guide.
Australasian Coot
Australasian Coots (Fulica atra) are a waterfowl in the rail family that self introduced to New Zealand from Australia.
Aythya novaeseelandiae / New Zealand Scaup
New Zealand Scaup are a small black and brown duck endemic to New Zealand, found throughout the country.
Banded Dotterel/tūturiwhatu (Charadrius bicinctus ssp. bicinctus)
Banded Dotterels tūturiwhatu (Charadrius bicinctus ssp. bicinctus) are a medium sized shore bird that nests on beaches and braided riverbeds throughout New Zealand.
Bellbird (Korimako)
Bellbirds are a medium sized, mainly nectar eating bird endemic to New Zealand, with a distinctive melodic call which gives them their name.
Black Backed Gull (Karoro)
The Black Backed Gull or Karoro is New Zealand's largest gull species, found throughout the country from coastal to sub-alpine habitats where there is no forest cover.
Black Swan
Black swans are a large aquatic bird found in fresh water lakes and estuaries around Marlborough.
Fantail (piwakawaka)
Fantails (piwakawaka) are a small, common, insectivorous bird endemic to New Zealand.
Haematopus unicolor, Tōrea Pango / Variable Oystercatcher
Variable oystercatchers are a medium sized shore bird common throughout New Zealand, commonly seen in estuarine environments where they feed on shellfish, crabs, and worms.
Hutton's Shearwater
A medium sized shearwater which breeds only in Marlborough.
King Shag
The King Shag (Leucocarbo carunculatus) is a large endemic shag found in the Marlborough Sounds
New Zealand pigeon (kerurū)
Kerurū are one of two endemic pigeon species, found throughout the country particularly in areas of native forest.
Paradise Shelduck/pūtangitangi
Paradise Shelduck/pūtangitangi are a common, large duck endemic to New Zealand, found throughout the country.
Pied Shag
Pied shags (Phalacrocorax varius) are a large member of the cormorant family found in coastal areas of NZ.
Pied Stilt
Pied stilts (Himantopus himantopus) are a long legged wading bird found natively throughout Australasia.
Pipit (Anthus novaeseelandiae)
New Zealnd Pipits or pīhoihoi are a small endemic song bird of open pasture lands.
Pakahā / Fluttering Shearwater (Puffinus gavia)
Fluttering Shearwater are a small to medium migratory seabird native to New Zealand, also spending time in Australia and the Solomon Islands.
Pukeko
Pukeko are a large, common rail species found throughout New Zealand, common around wetlands.
Red Billed Gull
Red billed gulls are a common native sea bird found throughout Marlborough.
Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia)
Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia) are the only spoonbill species to breed in New Zealand, where they have self-introduced from Australia.
Sacred kingfisher/Kōtare (Todiramphus sanctus)
The sacred kingfisher or Kōtare (Todiramphus sanctus ssp. vagans) is a distinctive New Zealand native bird found throughout the country wherever they can find suitable prey.
Silvereye
Silvereyes are one of New Zealand's commonest and most widespread birds, self-introducing in the mid 19th Century.
South Island robin / Toutouwai
South Island robin / Toutouwai (Petroica australis) are a small bird of forest and scrub country of the South Island.
Spur-Winged Plover
Spur-Winged Plovers are an Australian wading bird species that self-introduced to New Zealand in the early 20th Century.
Tui
Tui are one of New Zealand's more commonly seen endemic bird species. They can be seen in various locations around Marlborough.
Weka (Gallirallus australis)
Weka are a flightless bird endemic to New Zealand, found on all main islands.
White-faced Heron
White-faced herons are New Zealand's commonest heron species, self-introducing during the 1940s, and found throughout the country.