Birds to spot
Around the Nest
New Zealand is home to many unique native birds, some of which you may see or hear during your stay with Urbany Nest. From morning birdsong to evening calls across the trees and coastline, nature is always close by.
While relaxing here, keep an eye out for colourful native birds overhead or the gentle call of a morepork owl at night – all part of experiencing the natural beauty of Aotearoa.
The Bird Flight Highway
The Howick Nest valley -(between Beach Road and Uxbridge Road) is part of Auckland’s eastern ecological bird corridor, linking the Hauraki Gulf islands – including Tiritiri Matangi Island – with mainland reserves and coastal gullies. These connected green spaces and waterways provide sheltered pathways for native birds, supporting the return of species such as tūī, kererū, bellbirds, and kākāriki to suburbs including Howick and Cockle Bay.
Tūī – A True New Zealand Native
The tūī is one of New Zealand’s most recognisable native birds, admired for its beautiful song, playful nature, and iridescent feathers.
- Distinctive plumage with shimmering blue, green, and bronze tones
- Recognisable white tuft beneath the throat
- Famous for rich bell-like songs, clicks, whistles, and mimicry of surrounding sounds
- Feeds mainly on nectar from native plants including kōwhai, flax, and pōhutukawa
- Plays an important role in pollinating New Zealand’s native flora
- Commonly found in gardens, reserves, and native bush areas throughout New Zealand.
Kererū – New Zealand’s Native Wood Pigeon
The kererū is a large and unmistakable native pigeon, recognised for its impressive size, colourful plumage, and distinctive wingbeats.
- Striking blue-green feathers with purple-bronze tones on the wings and neck
- Bright white chest and bulky, graceful appearance
- Known for loud wingbeats and perching openly in treetops and on powerlines
- Feeds on fruit, leaves, buds, and flowers from native and introduced plants
- Plays an important role in spreading seeds throughout New Zealand forests
- Builds simple twig nests and usually raises a single chick
- Thrives in areas with strong pest control and healthy native habitats
- Commonly seen travelling between forest areas such as those surrounding Nest Valley.
Ruru (Morepork) – New Zealand’s Native Owl
The ruru, or morepork, is a small native owl best known for its haunting nighttime call echoing through New Zealand forests and gardens.
- Distinctive “more-pork” call commonly heard after dark
- Dark brown plumage with striking yellow eyes
- Found in forests, plantations, and leafy suburban areas
- Hunts at night for insects, small birds, and mice
- Flies almost silently using specialised feathers
- Nests in tree hollows and sheltered spaces
- Both parents help raise the chicks
- Vulnerable to predators such as rats, stoats, and cats
- Plays an important role in controlling insects and rodents in local ecosystems.
Fantail (Pīwakawaka) – New Zealand’s Curious Garden Visitor
The fantail is one of New Zealand’s most familiar native birds, loved for its energetic movements, friendly nature, and constantly fanned tail.
- Easily recognised by its fanned tail and quick darting flight
- Often comes very close to people in gardens, parks, and bush areas
- Commonly seen flitting through trees and canopy areas around Nest Valley
- Known for constant “cheeping” and chattering sounds
- Appears in two colour forms: the common pied morph and a rarer black morph
- Agile insect hunter feeding on flies, moths, beetles, and spiders
- Both parents share nest building and chick care
- Populations recover quickly due to their high breeding rate.
Sacred Kingfisher – A Skilled Native Hunter
The sacred kingfisher is a striking blue-green bird often seen perched quietly before making fast, direct dives to catch prey.
- Bright blue-green plumage with an upright, alert posture
- Frequently seen perched on fence posts, trees, and powerlines
- Common around rivers, forests, farmland, estuaries, and coastal areas
- Hunts insects, spiders, small reptiles, fish, and crabs
- Often returns to a perch to eat captured prey
- Nests in burrows in soft banks or tree hollows
- Territorial bird known for its sharp “kek-kek-kek” call
- Commonly spotted around Nest Valley watching from lookout branches.
Spotted Dove – A Familiar Garden Visitor
The spotted dove is a gentle bird commonly seen throughout Auckland’s gardens, parks, and leafy suburban areas.
- Introduced to New Zealand in the 1920s
- Recognisable by soft brown-grey feathers and a distinctive spotted black collar
- Often seen foraging on the ground or perched quietly in trees
- White and lighter-coloured doves may occasionally be spotted nearby
- Known for their calm, repeating coo heard throughout the day
- Frequently seen resting in gardens and surrounding trees around Urbany Nest
- Adds to the peaceful natural atmosphere and everyday birdlife experience of Aotearoa.
