The Otago Peninsula attracts birdwatchers from all over the world because of the many waders, seabirds and waterfowl that frequent the area. These are some of the birds you are likely to see on our tour.

Waders and Waterfowl

Bar-Tailed Godwit (Kuaka) - more common in the North Island but often seen here between September and March.
Black Swan (introduced) - a large majestic bird that is commonly seen throughout our tour.
Grey Duck (Parera) - it used to be NZ's most common duck but has made way for the mallard.
Mallard (introduced) - interbreeds with the grey duck and very common.
Grey Teal (Tete) - much smaller than the grey duck and often seen sitting high and upright in the water.
Kingfisher (Kotare) - a small stunted bird that is a master at catching fish.
Morepork (Ruru) - a nocturnal bird that is often heard at night.
Paradise Duck (Putangitangi) - large goose-like duck usually seen in pairs.
Pied Oystercatcher (Torea) - very common and smaller than the Variable Oystercatcher
Variable Oystercatcher (Torea, torepango) - only found along the coast.
Pukeko - a swamp bird often seen on farmland.
Pied Stilt (Poaka) - self-introduced from Australia it is classified as a native.
Royal Spoonbill (Kotuku Ngutupapa) - an unforgettable bird with a huge bill unlike any other birds.
Spur-Winged Plover (self-introduced) - A pretty bird that defends their young by dive bombing intruders.
White-Faced Heron (self-introduced) - flew here from Australia. A large bird with yellow legs that is often seen.

Seabirds

Australasian Gannet (Takapu) - the gannet can drop like a stone reaching speeds of 145km/h before diving to 8 metres. It is usually seen at sea but often enters our harbour.
Black - Backed Gull (Tarapunga) - the largest seagull of the 3 species in NZ. Young birds look completely different than adults.
Shy Albatross - larger than other mollymawks and a regular visitor to our headland.
Buller Albatross - A wonderful bird that often visits Taiaroa head.
Caspian Tern (Taranui) - the largest of all other NZ terns. It has a harsh 'kaaar kaaar' call.
Little Shag (Kawaupaka) - the size of a common duck and often seen flying in v-shaped flocks
Spotted Shag (Parekareka) - found only along the coast on its rocky shores.
Stewart Island Shag - the largest of the NZ species.
Black Shag (Kawau Pu) - often seen perched in trees drying their wings.
Red-billed Gull (Tarapunga) - very common and a third the size of the black-backed gull.
White-fronted tern (Tara) - the most common seashore tern.

Birds of Prey

Australasian Harrier (Kahu) - often seen on roads feeding on road kill. This is the larger of the two birds of prey that are native to NZ.