New Zealand Native Birds - Lake Brunner Region
Bird watching at Lake Brunner is a rewarding pastime. The best effort so far was by an elderly lady who identified 56 different bird species locally, in a week-long visit. There are a wide variety of both introduced and native birds, and they add a fascinating dimension to your visit
New Zealand has a variety of native birds, and in this alpine environment, a number of species which may be seen.
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The White Heron, or Kotuku, is a regular site along the shallow margins of Lake Brunner. In fact, the Maori name for the lake is Kotuku-Whakaoho.
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The NZ Pigeon (Kereru) is a beautiful bird. Spring time sees then on the willows and plum trees around the village, after the new leaf buds. |
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Wood Pigeon does acrobatics in search of fresh leaves, silhouetted against the spring snows on Mt Alexander |
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The Pukeko is a swamp bird that has thrived with the advent of civilisation. Pasture-lovers, they enjoy paddocks of new grass, much to the dismay of local farmers! |
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Paradise shelduck are a common sight locally. The female has the gaudy plumage, unusual in the bird world. They mate for life, and nest high in the tops of native trees - the 20 metre plunge does not seem to deter the young birds from leaving the nest, long before they can fly! |
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Black Swan are often seen in their hundreds in the shallow, weedy bays. Bottom feeders, they also enjoy the high lake levels which result in pastures being inundated. |
| The delightful little Fantail is a cheerful companion for wanderers in the local rain forests. A cheeky, inquisitive bird, they will flit along with you as you walk, keeping a careful watch on your invasion of their territory. |
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Native
Banded Dotterel - Pohowera
Bell Bird - Korimako
Black Shag
Black-billed Gull
Blue Duck - Whio
Falcon - NZ - Karearea
Fantail
Grey Duck - Parera
Grey Teal - Tete
Grey Warbler
Kea
Kingfisher - Kotare
Long-tailed Cuckoo - Koekoea
Morepork - NZ Owl - Ruru
Paradise Shelduck - Putangitangi
Pied Cormorant
Pied Stilt - Poaka
Pukeko
NZ Scaup - Papango
NZ Shoveller - Kuru whengi
Robin - Toutouwai
Shining Cuckoo - Pipiwharauroa
South Island Tomtit
South Island Pied Oystercatcher - Torea
South Island Rifleman
Red-billed Gull - Tarapunga
Tui
Variable Oystercatcher - Torea-pango
Weka
NZ Wood Pigeon - Kereru
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Introduced
Australian Magpie
Blackbird
Canada Goose
California Quail
Chaffinch
Goldfinch
Greenfinch
Harrier Hawk - Kahu
Hedge Sparrow
House Sparrow
Mallard Duck
Silvereye
Skylark
Starling
Swallow
Spur-winged Plover
Song Thrush
Yellowhammer
White-faced Heron
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New Zealand Native Birds - Lake Brunner Region
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