New Zealand is a land of diverse and unique flora and fauna, and is renowned for its thriving bird population. Among the many bird species that call New Zealand home, black birds are one of the most fascinating and intriguing to observe.
These birds are known for their striking plumage, which ranges from glossy black to deep shades of indigo and purple. They can be found in various habitats, from forests and wetlands to urban areas, and are an important part of the country’s natural ecosystem.
In this article, we will explore some of the different types of black birds found in New Zealand, their behavior, and their significance for the country’s wildlife.
1. Gruiformes
The Gruiformes is an order of birds which contains a large variety of families, both living and extinct. They are found all over the world in many different habitats, including wetlands and grasslands.
The name comes from Latin for “crane-like” due to their similar appearance to cranes. Many members of this group have long legs adapted for wading or running on land depending on species.
They also typically have long beaks used for hunting prey such as insects and small animals like fish, frogs and lizards.
Other traits commonly shared by these birds include strong wings with broad flight feathers that help them soar through the air when migrating or searching food sources during winter months.
In addition to these physical characteristics, some Gruiformes also possess vocalizations unique among other bird orders – making them easily recognizable even at great distances.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Gruimorphae |
| Order | Gruiformes Bonaparte, 1854 |
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2. Spotted Dove
The Spotted Dove is a common species of pigeon found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It has an elegant, slender body with small head, long tail feathers and spotted wings.
Its coloring ranges from grey to brownish-grey on its upperparts with white underparts that are speckled black or dark grey. The male generally has more prominent spots than the female.
They feed mainly on seeds but will also consume insects when available during breeding season as well as berries, grains and fruits throughout their range.
These birds typically live in pairs or small groups near water sources such as ponds, rivers or streams where they can find food easily while staying safe from predators like cats and hawks.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Spilopelia |
| Species | S. chinensis |
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3. Songbirds
Songbirds are a special suborder of perching birds found all over the world. These beautiful creatures have intricate vocal organs that allow them to produce elaborate bird songs, making them stand out from other species.
With around 5,000 different types of songbird in existence, they come in various sizes and colors with complex feathers adding to their beauty.
Songbirds play an important role in eco-systems as they help disperse seeds by eating fruit and insects which act as agents for pollination.
Their presence also serves to attract more biodiversity into areas where these delicate animals live, creating vibrant habitats full of life.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Clade | Eupasseres |
| Suborder | Passeri Linnaeus, 1758 |
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4. Common Starling
The Common Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird that belongs to the starling family. It has glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen, and in certain times of year it can be speckled with white.
The bill and legs are typically pink or black depending on the season, while its length measures about 8 inches long.
Its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes small fruits and seeds as well as some human food waste.
They live in large flocks which provides protection against predators, although they can become quite aggressive when defending their nesting sites during breeding seasons.
Overall, this species is highly adaptable and widely distributed across many parts of Europe making them one of the most successful birds in the region today.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
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5. Canada Goose
The Canada goose is a majestic bird with a black head and neck, white cheeks, chin and brown body. It’s native to North America but occasionally migrates to northern Europe across the Atlantic.
The species has been introduced in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Finland as well. Canada geese are strong flyers that travel in flocks for protection from predators; they also form monogamous pairs for life.
They feed on grasses or grains near ponds or wetlands where they make their nests of down which incubate eggs during summertime before hatching them out into goslings later on.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Branta |
| Species | B. canadensis |
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6. Shorebirds
Shorebirds, a diverse group of birds in the Charadriiformes order, are found near water on every continent except Antarctica.
These small to medium-sized birds feed mainly on invertebrates and other small animals but can also be pelagic seabirds or inhabit deserts.
Shorebirds use their long bills to probe mudflats for food like worms and mollusks while some species plunge into the ocean’s depths in search of crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp.
They have strong legs equipped with webbed feet which allow them to move quickly when searching for prey across wetlands, sandbars, beaches and swamps.
Their feathers make them well adapted to life by land or sea due to its hydrophobic nature which helps reduce drag during swimming or flying through windy conditions making it easier for shorebirds survive tough environments around the world.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Infraclass | Neognathae |
| Clade | Neoaves |
| Clade | Gruimorphae |
| Order | Charadriiformes Huxley, 1867 |
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7. Passerine
Passerines are a vast order of birds, comprising more than half the species in existence. Many familiar garden and woodland species fall into this category such as sparrows, blackbirds, finches and warblers.
They can be recognised by their arrangement of toes; three pointing forward with one back which helps them perch on branches or wires.
Passerines range from tiny wrens to large crows and have adapted to inhabit many environments around the world including forests, mountainsides and deserts.
They feed mainly on insects but some also consume fruit and seeds depending on their diet preferences.
Their diversity is truly remarkable from vibrant coloured tropical parrots to drab winter thrushes – making passerine birds an integral part of our natural heritage.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Psittacopasserae |
| Order | Passeriformes Linnaeus, 1758 |
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8. Common Blackbird
The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush with the scientific name Turdus merula. Found in Europe, Asiatic Russia and North Africa it has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand.
The male bird has glossy black plumage while the female’s coloration is more brownish gray.
It is known for its melodious song that can be heard throughout much of the year; typically they are seen alone or in pairs but occasionally form large flocks when food sources become available or during migration periods.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, worms, berries and other fruits as well as some human-provided foods such as bread crumbs or garbage scraps when available.
With its wide distribution range along with ease of adaptation to different habitats this species will likely remain one our most common birds around us.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. merula |
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9. Song Thrush
The Song Thrush is a beautiful bird that breeds across the West Palearctic. It has brown upper-parts and creamy or buff underparts with black spots, as well as three recognised subspecies.
Its vocalisations are particularly melodious; its song consists of repeated musical phrases, hence why it has been referenced often in poetry.
This species can be found breeding in forests, gardens and parks during summertime months before migrating elsewhere for winter.
With its attractive plumage and lovely singing voice, it’s no wonder this thrush is so beloved by many.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. philomelos |
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10. Eurasian Coot
The Eurasian Coot is a water bird belonging to the Rallidae family. It has an overall slaty-black body with a glossy black head and white bill, along with a white frontal shield.
Both male and female coots look similar in appearance. This species can be found across Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and parts of North Africa – making it quite widespread.
In terms of behavior they usually feed on aquatic plants as well as insects while swimming or walking on land near bodies of water such as ponds or lakes.
They are also known for their aggressive nature when defending nesting sites from other birds during breeding season.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Fulica |
| Species | F. atra |
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11. Black Swan
The Black Swan is a beautiful species of swan found in many parts of Australia. It has black plumage and a bright red bill, making it quite distinctive from other birds in the region.
These majestic birds are monogamous and both parents take turns incubating eggs as well as raising cygnets together.
They have an erratic migration pattern that depends on climatic conditions, although they usually move within their native range to find suitable habitats for breeding and feeding purposes.
The Black Swan’s graceful presence adds beauty to any water body they inhabit while also serving as important indicators of environmental health due to their sensitivity towards changes in their habitat quality.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. atratus |
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12. Oystercatchers
Oystercatchers are a family of waders forming the Haematopodidae, with one genus; Haematopus.
They live in coastal regions around the world excluding both polar and some tropical areas of Africa & South East Asia.
Eurasian, South Island & Magellanic oystercatcher species also breed far inland – breeding grounds being found much deeper than other members of the family.
They have long beaks used to feed on molluscs such as mussels, clams and oysters which they crack open using their strong bills.
Oystercatchers are usually quite vocal birds making various loud calls when disturbed or alarmed.
The males tend to display more brightly coloured plumage compared to females who share similar brown/black hues for camouflage purposes during nesting season.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Charadrii |
| Family | Haematopodidae Bonaparte, 1838 |
| Genus | Haematopus Linnaeus, 1758 |
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13. Takahe
The South Island takahē is a flightless bird that belongs to the rail family. It is native to New Zealand and was hunted extensively by Māori for centuries prior to being named and described by Europeans.
The species stands out from its relatives due to its large size, earning it the nickname “the giant of all rails”.
Takahe are mostly green in colour with purple-blue chests and black stripes running along their heads, wings, back and tail feathers.
Their diet consists mainly of grasses but they also enjoy aquatic plants such as ferns or wild celery stems found around lakeshores or wetlands.
This habitat provides them with shelter as well as food sources necessary for survival throughout winter months when other foods may become scarce.
They usually inhabit places between 1,000m above sea level up until 3,000m where temperatures tend be cooler than lower levels during summer periods which makes surviving easier.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Porphyrio |
| Species | P. hochstetteri |
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14. Moa
Moa were a group of flightless birds that lived in New Zealand until extinction. There were nine species spread over six genera, with the two largest species reaching heights up to 3.6 meters and weighing 230kg.
The smallest moa was only about 0.9m tall and weighed around 5kg – this being the bush moa (Anomalopteryx didiformis).
Moas had no natural predators as they evolved before humans arrived on their islands, leading to their eventual demise when humans began hunting them for food or sport.
Although these birds are now long gone, we can still appreciate their unique features that once made them an important part of the ecology of New Zealand’s native wildlife.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Infraclass | Palaeognathae |
| Clade | Notopalaeognathae |
| Order | †Dinornithiformes Bonaparte, 1853[1] |
15. Black Stilt
The Black stilt (Himantopus novaezelandiae) is a critically endangered wading bird found only in New Zealand. With an adult population of just 169, it is one of the world’s rarest birds.
It has distinctive black plumage and long pink legs, as well as a thin black bill that helps it to forage food from shallow waters.
The Black Stilt primarily breeds in the Mackenzie Basin located within South Island where they face threats caused by introduced feral cats, ferrets and hedgehogs which prey on their eggs and chicks.
Conservation efforts are ongoing with this species being intensively managed through predator control programs aimed at preserving its future existence in New Zealand’s wild places.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. novaezelandiae |
16. Black-Billed Gull
The Black-billed Gull, or Buller’s Gull, is a species of seabird found only in New Zealand. It has been classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources due to its small population size.
The gulls evolved from their ancestors who migrated from Australia around 250 000 years ago. Initially named “Gavia pomare” by Carl Friedrich Bruch in 1855, Sir Walter Lawry Buller renamed it Chroicocephalus bulleri after himself.
This medium-sized seabird has black legs and feet with greenish yellow eyes that contrast against its predominantly brown plumage.
During breeding season they can be seen gathering on rocky islands near coasts throughout New Zealand where they nest amongst vegetation made up mostly of tussock grasses.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. bulleri |
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17. Black-Fronted Tern
The Black-fronted Tern is a small species of tern found mainly in New Zealand. It has a mostly grey plumage and feeds on freshwater fish, arthropods and worms.
This bird breeds primarily in the eastern regions of the South Island, with its population having declined due to habitat loss over recent years.
The Black-fronted Tern prefers lowland sites near waterbodies such as rivers or lakes for nesting purposes, though it also occurs around coastal areas during migration periods.
Its call is high pitched and distinctive – one that can easily be recognized by experienced birdwatchers. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this unique species from further decline into extinction.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chlidonias |
| Species | C. albostriatus |
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18. Chatham Petrel
The Chatham Petrel is a unique bird found only on the Chatham Islands, New Zealand. It has a mottled dark-grey and white forehead with grey back and upper wings, and white underparts.
This petrel species prefers to nest in colonies limited to 218 hectares of Rangatira or South-East Island where it feeds mainly at sea but also forages over land for invertebrates such as grasshoppers.
The birds have adapted well to their environment by developing strong feet which allow them to walk on rough terrain when searching for food during breeding season.
They are highly social animals that travel great distances across the ocean looking for food sources while remaining faithful partners throughout life.
Their devotion makes them an ideal mascot of loyalty, resilience and courage.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Pterodroma |
| Species | P. axillaris |
19. Black-Browed Albatross
The Black-browed Albatross is a majestic seabird that belongs to the albatross family known as Diomedeidae.
It is an impressive bird, with its black beak and brow contrasting against white plumage on its wings and body.
The most widespread and common member of this group, it can often be seen flying around oceans in different parts of the world.
These birds share many features with other members of their order Procellariiformes, such as shearwaters, fulmars, storm petrels and diving petrels; they all have long wingspans for gliding effortlessly above water surfaces.
They feed mainly by scavenging or hunting small fish near sea surface while flying low over waters.
Its population has unfortunately declined due to commercial fishing vessels which attract them closer to shore resulting in entanglement into fishing nets leading them towards mortality.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Diomedeidae |
| Genus | Thalassarche |
| Species | T. melanophris |
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20. Black-Bellied Storm Petrel
The Black-bellied Storm Petrel is a species of seabird belonging to the Oceanitidae family. It can be found in Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Bouvet Island and many other countries in South America and Africa.
These birds are mainly dark brown with white bellies that have black markings on them. They feed primarily on small fish but will also take crustaceans such as krill or squid when available.
During breeding season they form colonies along rocky coasts where they lay one egg per year which hatch after about 40 days of incubation by both parents.
The fledglings then stay for around two weeks before taking flight for the open seas. This oceanic bird has an impressive range making it quite a common sight near coastlines all over the world.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Oceanitidae |
| Genus | Fregetta |
| Species | F. tropica |
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21. Black Noddy
The Black Noddy bird is a medium-sized member of the Laridae family, identifiable by its black plumage and white cap.
It closely resembles the Lesser Noddy but has slightly darker feathers with dark lores instead of pale ones.
The species was first formally described in 1758, although it was previously considered to be part of Anous tenuirostris before being identified as a separate species.
They are usually found near tropical oceans or islands where they forage for food such as crustaceans, mollusks and insects during the day.
At night, they roost on trees or shrubs close to shorelines while avoiding larger predators like sea eagles.
During breeding season females lay single eggs which both parents protect until hatching takes place around four weeks later.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Anous |
| Species | A. minutus |
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22. Ring-Necked Pheasant
The Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a stunning bird from the pheasant family. It has an iridescent green and gold plumage, with bright red facial wattles and white neck rings that contrast against its black tail feathers.
This elegant species can be found in fields, meadows, woodlands and open areas across Northern Europe to East Asia where it feeds on grain, insects and other small animals. The male displays spectacular courtship rituals to attract mates.
He spreads his wings wide while making loud calls as a sign of dominance which helps him establish territories for breeding season.
Despite being hunted for both food by humans or predators like foxes and cats this magnificent creature remains one of nature’s most beautiful sights.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Phasianus |
| Species | P. colchicus |
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23. Pacific Black Duck
The Pacific black duck, also referred to as the gray duck in New Zealand, is a type of dabbling duck that can be found in numerous countries ranging from Indonesia to French Polynesia.
Its scientific name is Anas superciliosa. In New Zealand, the duck is often called by its Maori name, pārera.
The Pacific black duck lives in a variety of habitats, such as wetlands, marshes, and rice paddies.
It has distinctive features, including a dark body with white specks, a slightly curved beak, and a light-colored crown.
This duck is a common sight in its range, and it feeds on a variety of items such as insects, small fish, and seeds.
The Pacific black duck is an important part of the ecosystem and can even be hunted for food in some areas.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. superciliosa |
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24. Common Moorhen
The common moorhen, also called waterhen or swamp chicken, belongs to the rail family and is widespread across various regions of the Old World.
These birds prefer to inhabit wetlands like canals, marshes, and ponds with rich vegetation. They are not found in polar regions or some tropical rainforests.
The species is known for its distinctive red forehead shield, which becomes more prominent during breeding season. Common moorhens usually feed on aquatic plants, small fishes, and invertebrates.
They are excellent swimmers and divers, but are also able to walk on floating vegetation. When threatened, they can flee by diving and swimming underwater.
Overall, common moorhens are fascinating birds that add to the diversity of wetland ecosystems.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Gallinula |
| Species | G. chloropus |
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25. Black-Tailed Nativehen
The Black-tailed nativehen is a bird species that is native to Australia. This rail species is quite large and can grow up to 38 cm long and weigh up to 400g.
The bird has brownish-grey and green feathers, and it’s most noticeable feature are its long legs and lower jaw, which are a bright pink-orange color. The bird’s eyes are also quite bright and are more of a bright red color.
One unique characteristic of the Black-tailed nativehen is that it has an erect tail, which stands out from the rest of its body. This bird prefers to live in wetlands and marshes where it can easily forage for food.
Despite its abundant population, this bird is not typically kept or raised in captivity, making it more of a rare sighting for bird watchers to enjoy.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Tribonyx |
| Species | T. ventralis |
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