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New Zealand

This page lists books about birds and birdwatching in New Zealand. The books are listed by publication date with the most recent at the top.


New Zealand species

For books about specific New Zealand birds (living or extinct) see the following pages:

Black Robin
Huia
Kakapo
Kea
Kiwis
Kokako
Moas
Takahe


New Zealand series

For series of publications from New Zealand see the following pages:

Handbook of Australian, New Zealand, and Antarctic Birds

Endangered NZ Wildlife
Fiat Books of NZ Birds
The State of NZ Birds


New Zealand publishers

For bird related books from New Zealand publishers see the following pages:

Canterbury University Press
Otago University Press
Craig Potton
Te Papa Press

 

Birds of the West Wind: How Australia Has Shaped New Zealand's Avian Life

Garry Sheeran

G J Books

2016

"Garry Sheeran has dug up what professionals are re-discovering about the origin of New Zealand birds with the help of modern scientific tools. A particular theme is the influence of Australian avifauna on New Zealand's bird life. In Part 1 he tells of his layman's latter-day interest in birds with enthusiasm, originality and charm. He also traces how the origin stories of birds are closely connected to the origins of the islands and continents on which they are found. Part 2 contains specific origin stories of more than 80 mainly land and shore birds, and traces their possible connection to Australian birds. The book is aimed as much at readers with little knowledge of New Zealand's bird life as it is at enthusiastic and knowledgeable birders."

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The Hand Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

Hugh Robertson & Barrie Heather

Illustrations: Derek Onley

2nd edition

Penguin Books New Zealand

2015

"The Hand Guide to the Birds of New Zealand is a trusted, invaluable reference for lovers of New Zealand birds. Comprehensive and easy to use, this new edition features: 374 species, including 35 new additions — the book's biggest revision since first publication 85 stunning colour paintings of New Zealand birds, including rare and recently extinct species an introduction to key bird-watching sites distribution maps and an in-depth guide to field identification protective plastic cover for use in the field. The only hand guide to New Zealand birds officially endorsed by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand, this is the ideal field companion for identifying our extraordinary and diverse birdlife."

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The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

Hugh Robertson & Barrie Heather

Illustrations: Derek Onley

4th edition

Penguin Books New Zealand

2015

" Comprehensive, reliable and easy to use, this fourth revised edition features: 374 species, including 35 new additions – the book's biggest revision since first publication 85 stunning colour paintings of New Zealand birds, including rare and recently extinct species an introduction to key bird-watching sites distribution maps and an in-depth guide to field identification an additional handbook section that includes information on the distribution, habitat, population, conservation, breeding, behaviour and feeding habits of each species. The only field guide to New Zealand birds officially endorsed by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand, this is the most authoritative reference available – a wonderful celebration of our extraordinary and diverse birdlife."

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Birds of New Zealand

Alison Dench

Photographs: Rob Suisted

New Holland

2015

"New Zealand boasts exceptional species of birds; a quarter of the birdlife lives nowhere else on the planet. With the concerted focus on bird recovery, through sanctuaries, the Department of Conservation and volunteer groups, native birds are abundant, and those struggling species are continually growing in population. Rob Suisted has captured these beautiful birds in remarkable, vibrant photographs, with individual portraits and habitat shots. The four main habitats – forest, wetlands, sea and coast, and open country are introduced by Alison Dench's thoroughly researched text. Extended captions accompany each photograph. This attractive, colourful book is a wonderful expression of New Zealand's most interesting birdlife."

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New Zealand Birds: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species

James Kavanagh and Raymond Leung

Waterford Press

2015

"This beautifully illustrated guide highlights over 140 familiar and unique species and includes a map featuring prominent bird-viewing areas. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, pocket-sized folding guide is an excellent source of portable information and ideal for field use by visitors and residents alike."

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Pyramid Valley and Beyond: Discovering the Prehistoric Birdlife of North Canterbury, New Zealand

Richard N Holdaway

Turnagra Press

2015

"Describes the original avifauna of North Canterbury as revealed by the fossil evidence in the Pyramid Valley site and other sites in the area, gives the history of the Pyramid Valley site and its environment, and relates the past environment and avifauna to the present landscape."

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Birds of New Zealand: Locality Guide

Stuart Chambers

4th edition

Arun Books

2014

" Birds of New Zealand - Locality Guide, helps birders identify and find New Zealand's birds. It lists all of the likely birds which will be encountered, provides details about the bird with a picture, and tells the reader where to go to find them. Only accessible viewing places are listed in the text. GPS coordinates are also provided."

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Native Birds of New Zealand

David Hallett

Sandfly Publications

2014

"The photographs in Native Birds of New Zealand have been taken by David Hallett, one of New Zealand's leading wildlife photographers, who captures the beauty of New Zealand's native birds in their natural environment, from the subtropical north to the Sub-Antarctic Islands, and from the oceans to the alpine meadows of the Southern Alps. The text is kept short and avoids the in-depth academic material found in some of the very good reference books on the market. It does include all the interesting facts that set our native birds apart, presented in a short, concise format that makes Native Birds of New Zealand ideal for browsing."

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Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide

Paul Scofield and Brent Stephenson

Yale University Press

2013

"New Zealand's birdlife developed extraordinary diversity as a consequence of evolving on isolated islands without mammalian predators. For many years, habitat destruction brought on by humans posed a distinct threat to the wide variety of birdlife, but thanks to recent conservation efforts, many of the country's species of birds are now protected in parks and island sanctuaries. Illustrated with nearly a thousand new photographs from one of New Zealand's top nature photographers and drawing on the latest information from birders and biologists, Birds of New Zealand offers a definitive introduction to the identification and behaviour of the country's extraordinary avian life. The book includes expert and up-to-date information on the 345 bird species found in New Zealand, including species ranging from albatrosses and shearwaters to kiwi and kaka."

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A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

Julian Fitter and Don Merton

Princeton University Press

2012

"A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand contains over 600 stunning photographs of the more than 350 bird species likely to be seen in this area of the world. Comprehensive and compact, the book includes full descriptions of all native species and regular visitors, distribution maps and measurements, key information on national parks, and useful information on ongoing conservation efforts in the country. Filled with handy tips for nature enthusiasts wanting to make the most of their trip, this is the only bird guide that anyone exploring this region will need."

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Where to Find Birds in Far North New Zealand: A Site Guide

Detlef Davies

Detlef Davies

2012

Lists, and describes, over 40 prime birdwatching sites with maps, bird lists and colour photographs.

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Shorebirds of New Zealand: Sharing the Margins

Keith Woodley

Penguin Books New Zealand

2012

"Shorebirds of New Zealand is a beautiful, informative and lyrical account of the many shorebirds found here - those living and breeding in the same area year after year, those that migrate within New Zealand, and those whose migrations link the hemispheres. It examines the lifecycles, habits and histories of our shorebirds, such as red knots (some 50,000 of which reach New Zealand from Siberia annually), or red-necked stints (birds the size of a sparrow that make a similar journey), and our own shorebirds - stilts and oystercatchers, terns and gulls, dotterels and wrybills, snipes and godwits. Author Keith Woodley connects these shorebirds with everyday people and the environment, looking into our social and cultural values, the work of researchers and community conservation groups, as well as the ways in which our lives impact those of shorebirds - both harmoniously and harmfully."

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Where to Watch Birds in Canterbury

Nick Allen

Ornithological Society of New Zealand

2012

"The primary aim of Where to Watch Birds in Canterbury is to promote birdwatching in Canterbury, New Zealand, by making available for the first time in print a comprehensive description of good places to watch birds in the region. For the purposes of this guide the boundaries follow those of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand with a northern boundary formed by the Clarence River, a western boundary of the Main Divide of the Southern Alps and a southern boundary of the courses of the Waitaki and Ahuriri Rivers. Where to Watch Birds in Canterbury therefore covers a vast area of New Zealand."

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Buller's Birds of New Zealand

The Complete Work of JG Keulemans

Geoff Norman

Foreword: Stephen Fry

Te Papa Press

2012

"Buller's Birds of New Zealand includes the complete set of 95 artworks from both editions of A History of the Birds of New Zealand by Walter Buller and the subsequent supplement, specially photographed and reproduced at original size and in full colour using high quality modern printing techniques. Each bird painting is accompanied by a selection of Buller's original, descriptive text as well as up-to-date taxonomic information in English and te reo Maori. Uniquely, Buller's Birds of New Zealand features fresh reproductions of the original watercolour-and-pencil paintings for Buller's iconic second edition and its supplement, made possible by the author's rediscovery of these works at the Ornithological Branch of the British Natural History Museum. Bright, luminous and clear, Keulemans's masterpieces are seen here for the first time as the artist intended. Bound in cloth and beautifully presented in a slipcase, this edition at last makes available the masterpieces inside the rarely seen, and highly valued, original books."

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Birds of New Zealand

Julian Fitter and Don Merton

Collins Traveller's Guide

Harper Collins

2011

"This beautiful photographic guide is the ideal companion for travelling birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Featuring over 300 species of bird most likely to be encountered on a trip to New Zealand, it is the only guide that anyone travelling to this fascinating region of the world will need. Each bird is illustrated with a full-colour photograph along with a full species description, and key information on national parks helps readers to find the best spots to discover each bird. The book not only helps travellers to identify birds, it also highlights the importance of conservation efforts and offers guidelines on sensible behaviour whilst travelling through the area and encountering nature at its very best."

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Birds of New Zealand, Hawaii, Central and West Pacific

Ber Van Perlo

Collins Field Guide

Harper Collins

2011

(Same plates and text as Princeton book below)

"Featuring over 750 species, Birds of New Zealand, Hawaii, Central and West Pacific is the only field guide to illustrate and describe every species of bird you may see in the area, from New Zealand and New Guinea to Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Text gives information on key identification features, habitat, and songs and calls. All plumages for each species are illustrated, including those of males, females and juveniles. The stunning 95 colour plates appear opposite their relevant text for quick and easy reference. Distribution maps are included, showing where each species can be found and how common it is, to further aid identification. This comprehensive and highly portable guide is a must for all birdwatchers visiting the region."

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Birds of Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Central and West Pacific

Ber Van Perlo

Princeton Illustrated Checklist

Princeton University Press

2011

(Same plates and text as Collins book above)

"This is the only comprehensive and handy pocket guide that illustrates and describes the bird species of Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Central and West Pacific. Featuring more than 750 species illustrated in vivid and stunning detail on 95 color plates, this authoritative guide provides information on key identification features, habitat, songs, and calls. Birds of Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Central and West Pacific is a must-have for birders of all levels interested in this region of the world."

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New Zealand Bird Calls

Lynette Moon, Geoff Moon, John Kendrick, Karen Baird

New Holland Publishers

2011

"New Zealand is known for its birds, and the melodic quality of their song. Here, in one book and CD package is a selection of 60 of the most popular, important or interesting birds. In the book, each bird entry includes information about habitat, distribution, appearance and behaviour of the bird, along with a description of its calls. Each entry is illustrated with photographs from the renowned collection of Geoff Moon, making identification easy. The CD, contained in a plastic envelope on the book's inside back cover, contains 60 tracks, one per bird, and each track includes up to three different calls, such as alarm, territory and courtship songs."

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A Photographic Guide to Birds of New Zealand

Geoff Moon

New Holland

2nd edition

2011

"In this fully revised edition with attractive new cover, species accounts have been updated according to the 4th edition of the Ornithological Society's official "Checklist of the Birds of New Zealand". The many changes include updates to classification, distribution and population status. Maori names have now also been added for all species, where applicable. Although not intended to take the place of a more in-depth field guide, the book features photographs of the most commonly seen birds along with detailed information on distribution, habitat, behaviour and breeding. Each bird is illustrated with at least one colour photograph to aid identification, and in many cases photographs also show the birds in their habitat - nesting, feeding and socialising."

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The Animals of New Zealand: An Account of the Dominion's Air-Breathing Vertebrates

Frederick Wollaston Hutton and James Drummond

Cambridge Library Collection

Cambridge University Press

2011

"Frederick Wollaston Hutton (1836-1905) was a geologist and a supporter of Darwinian theory. He emigrated to New Zealand in 1866, became Professor of Biology at Canterbury College, and won awards both in Britain and Australasia for his work on the natural history of New Zealand. He published scientific papers on biology and zoology as well as geology and, with James Drummond, wrote two popular works, "Nature in New Zealand" (1902) and "The Animals of New Zealand" (1904). The latter was extremely successful. It was revised and expanded the following year, and this fourth edition was published in 1923. The book focuses on native vertebrates, so the bulk of the content relates to birds, of which Hutton had published a catalogue in 1871. It also describes marine mammals, reptiles, and bats, and gives brief coverage to introduced species. There are 154 illustrations, and indexes of Maori, English and scientific names."

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New Zealand Forest Birds and their World

Geoff Moon

New Holland

2010

"Drawing on more than 70 years worth of study in the field & representing literally thousands of hours spent poised behind a 300mm lens Forest Birds by Geoff Moon presents a visual and written portrait of the most important or characteristic birds of the New Zealand forest. Arranged in taxonomic order, these total nearly 30 species, among them some of the country's best-loved birds such as the bellbird, fantail, kingfisher, kiwi, kokako, morepork, tomtit, kakariki, saddleback, stitchbird and tui. Enriching the photography are Geoff's personal notes, amassed like his photographs from decades of observation."

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Checklist of the Birds of New Zealand: Norfolk and Macquarie Islands, and the Ross Dependency, Antarctica

Ornithological Society of New Zealand

4th edition

Te Papa Press in association with the Ornithological Society of New Zealand

2010

"Greatly revised and expanded, the new edition of this highly respected guide is the must-have reference for birds in the New Zealand region – including Norfolk and Macquarie Islands, and the Ross Dependency, Antarctica. Checklist of the Birds of New Zealand provides details of the nomenclature, taxonomy, classification, status, and distribution (current, historical, and fossil) of every known living and extinct species of New Zealand bird. For the first time, it also includes complete synonymies. More than 50 birds have been added to the new edition, along with thorough bibliographic references, updated maps, a list of Maori bird names, and a full index."

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Field Guide to the Wildlife of New Zealand

Julian Fitter

Christopher Helm

2010

"New Zealand is a popular tourist destination with a wide range of dramatic scenery and a long list of endemic species. Although the country's wildlife has suffered as a result of unwelcome introductions, most species have managed to survive thanks to a number of dedicated and inspired conservationists. This glorious photographic field guide illustrates most of the vertebrate species to be found there, as well as a large number of typical invertebrates and flora. The photographs are accompanied by a succinct text, and this portable guide will be invaluable to all visitors to the country with an interest in natural history."

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Birds New Zealand: A Beautiful Collection

Paul Gibson

Unique Pictorials

2010

"Another all new publication showcasing New Zealand's beautiful birds, a follow-on from our previous work that became a best-seller in 2008. This book contains detail on 160 birds and nearly 400 sumptuous photographs. The Department of Conservation in their foreword state "an introductory section covers a wide range of topics from bird identification to conservation… the photographs are simply stunning and are a testament to many long hours spent in the field… the text is clear and easy to read and it will be a great tool for adults and children alike."

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Birds of New Zealand: Locality Guide

Stuart Chambers

3rd edition

Arun Books

2009

"This is an introduction to the birds of New Zealand, aimed at all levels of birdwatcher, and of special use to travellers to the islands. For each of the 170 plus species, there is a brief description, local and Maori names, range, and a guide to localities where it may be seen. This revised and updated third edition contains more species and more areas to watch them. The book does not attempt a complete coverage of New Zealand birds or places. Rather, it is selective, introducing people to birds they have a chance of seeing, and only taking birders to places which are easy to get to and which promise results. This book supports the notion that birds are less endangered and better protected if the public is knowledgeable and educated about them."

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New Zealand Wetland Birds and their World

Geoff Moon

New Holland

2009

"Wetland Birds launches a major new series of habitat-based books on New Zealand bird life. In his introduction Geoff Moon presents all the major types of wetland found in the country. The greater part of the book features portraits of the birds that use New Zealand's wetlands on a permanent or seasonal basis. A lifetime's worth of fabulous bird photography is accompanied by lucid text liberally endowed with Geoff's own intimate observations, all collected from more than 60 years' experience, crouching among reeds or standing statue-still in a hide with his camera. Some of the country's most elusive birds are found in wetlands; most of the photographs of the fernbird, bittern and dabchick that feature in this book are not only previously unpublished but are also among the finest images available of these hard-to-shoot species."

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Penguins Of New Zealand

Lloyd Spencer Davis

Photography: Rod Morris

New Holland

2009

" Lloyd Spencer Davis, one of the country's top researchers into penguin biology and behaviour, has written an informative and accessible guide to 12 species, covering all key aspects from their evolution and prehistory to their feeding and breeding behaviour and current conservation issues. Penguin watching is also covered, making this the perfect birdwatcher's souvenir as well as a fascinating primer on these much-loved birds."

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New Zealand Wildlife

Julian Fitter

Bradt Wildlife Guides

Bradt

2009

"New Zealand's geographical isolation has allowed an abundance of unique and unusual flora and fauna to flourish. Famous for its flightless birds such as the emblematic kiwi and the endangered takahe, it is also home to lizard-like tuataras, giant kauri trees and a rich coastal marine life. Full-colour throughout, New Zealand Wildlife provides a comprehensive overview of the natural history of the major islands of the archipelago.Thorough background information on geology, geography and palaeontology is coupled with extensive wildlife and habitat listings."

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Attracting Birds and Other Wildlife to Your Garden in New Zealand

Gordon Ell

New Holland Publishers

2009

"Filled with practical general advice about luring birds and other creatures close to your home or school windows, you'll also find step-by-step guidelines and illustrations for building simple feeders, lists of suitable food plants and notes on watching birds. Gordon Ell has built up a wealth of knowledge on the subject of attracting birdlife since his first book on the subject Encouraging Birds in the New Zealand Garden was published in 1981 (and which went on to reprint 11 times). In this new book, which includes beautiful bird and nature photography by Geoff Moon and others, enticing birds into your backyard is made simpler than ever, regardless of the size or style of your garden and how much or how little spare time you have."

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All About New Zealand Birds

Dave Gunson

New Holland Publishers

2008

"This fun and educational book features dozens of vibrant illustrations by talented artist, children's book writer and bird fanatic Dave Gunson. Over 50 of our most interesting and most loved native and introduced birds have been illustrated especially for this book by Dave. Each page features one large illustration of a bird and 100 words of text. All About New Zealand Birds is an ideal introduction to many of the birds of New Zealand for people of all ages. Accompanied by fascinating and often humorous facts about physical characteristics, habitat, feeding habits, breeding information and more."

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Nature Flip Guides: Birds

Andrew Crowe

Illustrations: Dave Gunson

Penguin Books

2008

"A unique fold-out habitat and size guide to 95 New Zealand birds."

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New Zealand Birds: A Diverse Selection

Paul Gibson

Unique Pictorials

2008

"This book captures in beautiful colour imagery the diverse avian selection found in our land and transports the viewer on a magic-like flight to many far-flung locations, without ever getting their feet off the ground. Over 250 gorgeous colour images detailing 115 birds with simple readable text. Also sections on extinct birds, migratory birds, birding locations and many others."

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Atlas of Bird Distribution in New Zealand 1999-2004

C.J.R. Robertson, P. Hyvonen, M.J. Fraser and C.R. Pickard

Ornithological Society of New Zealand

2007

"Covering over 200 of New Zealand's endemic, native, migratory and introduced birds, this work is the result of 5 years of extensive surveying by more than 850 people throughout the country. Conservatively valued at more than $10 million worth of voluntary effort, it emphasises the importance of nationally co-ordinated environmental monitoring and recording, by a largely amateur organisation. The OSNZ published its first Atlas of NZ bird distribution in 1985 (covering the years 1969-1979), and these earlier distribution maps are reproduced alongside the new maps to visibly demonstrate changes in the bird distribution throughout the country over some 35 years. Seasonal and breeding data maps are provided for each of the birds and there is a full section devoted to habitat use. The latest mapping techniques also explore the national biodiversity for birds to demonstrate a statistical snapshot of the hotspot areas around New Zealand which require consideration for conservation management and protection. It is also a good guide to where to find the birds that interest you. Have there been changes over 30 years? Of 137 species mapped in 1985 the new atlas shows that 45 have increased and 33 have reduced their distribution. Regrettably, but not surprisingly, the majority of the reductions (25) are among the endemic birds. The increases have been quite evenly spread among endemic (15), native (12), introduced (17) and migrant (1). The mapping techniques used show that even among plentifully distributed birds, there are signs of localised reduction in visibility."

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Where to Watch Birds in New Zealand: More Than 30 of the Country's Best Birding Locations

Kathy Ombler

New Holland

2007

"In Where to Watch Birds in New Zealand Kathy Ombler introduces more than 30 of New Zealand's finest birding sites, with a full description of the location as well as a list of the birds to watch out for. Here are just a few examples of the sites that are covered: Otago Peninsula, home to colonies of northern royal albatross, yellow-eyed and blue penguins and many other seabird species; Kapiti Island, huge predator-free island that is a refuge for kokako, takahe, saddleback and stitchbird; and, Farewell Spit, which gives seasonal lodging to hundreds of thousands of New Zealand and overseas migrants.All the sites can be visited privately or with guided tours, and many of the tour and sanctuary operators have good connections with key bird-watching organisations in the Britain and the US. The book also includes location maps, colour photography, a list of all the species mentioned, plus a shortlist of 'must-see' birds, as well as travel tips and accommodation information for visitors."

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A Mini Guide to the Identification of New Zealand's Land Birds

Andrew Crowe

Illustrations: Dave Gunson

Penguin Books

2007

"A handy guide to the identification of New Zealand's Land Birds. Condensed from Andrew Crowe's popular Which New Zealand Bird?, this little book has been designed to fit into a pocket, day pack or bag. Full of essential information for quick accurate identification of land birds, this new mini guide is appealing and easy to use."

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A Checklist to New Zealand Birds, Frogs, Reptiles, Mammals and Butterflies

Kerry-Jane Wilson

Canterbury University Press

2007

"This pocket checklist includes all the species of birds, frogs, reptiles, mammals and butterflies that currently have wild populations in New Zealand, plus vagrant species that have been reliably recorded here during the last 25 years. It will enable birdwatchers and naturalists to keep records of the species they see during field excursions in New Zealand."

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New Zealand Birds

Stuart Chambers

Reed Publishing

2007

"This book will help readers to learn about the birds they see around them using the simplest and most obvious identifying feature - colour. The bird species in this book are grouped into sections of the most prominent colours displayed during a particular phase of development. Each entry includes information about habitat, abundance, size, status (meaning whether a bird is endemic, native or introduced), range, conspicuous features & differences between the similar species. Location information will assist the user in pinpointing where a species is most commonly seen, geographically and by type of environment, for example, at the beach or in the forest."

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Know Your New Zealand Birds

Lynette Moon

Photographs: Geoff Moon

New Holland Publishers

2006

"This beginner's guide from Lynnette Moon forms an authoritative and easy-to-grasp introduction to over 80 of New Zealand's best-known bird species. Though free of birding jargon and extraneous information, the text is lucid and packed with all the key facts on appearance, call, behaviour and nesting details that will enable the layperson to identify the species they commonly see from the backyard to the bush, beach and mountain. Each entry is accompanied by a succinct data panel and a full-page, full-colour portrait photograph."

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Birds Of New Zealand: Checklist

Brian O'Flaherty

New Holland Publishers

2006

"New Zealand's unique birdlife, from the kiwi, kea, kaka and kokako of bush and hill to the many petrels, penguins and albatrosses of the coastal regions, is of immense interest to ornithologists worldwide, and this handy pocket size checklist will make a valuable addition to any NZ birder's pack. Featuring the full 350 odd species that can be seen on the mainland and offshore islands, with English common name, Maori name and scientific name, the checklist enables the birder to note down sightings of each bird in up to five separate locations. Maps of the North and South Islands, showing key birding locations, are included."

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Field Guide to New Zealand Seabirds

Brian Parkinson

New Holland Publishers

2nd edition

2006

"Around New Zealand's long coastline and its many islands, the keen observer is able to see more seabirds than in most other countries. Three-quarters of the world's albatrosses, penguins and petrels and half the shearwaters and shags are to be found here, along with representatives of several other groups. This new edition of the Field Guide to New Zealand Seabirds includes a selection of new photographs and bird data and now contains an entry for the New Zealand Storm Petrel, subject of one of the most newsworthy 'rediscoveries' of recent years. With a checklist, main map, individual distribution maps and field notes for all native, endemic and visiting species, plus colour photos throughout, this field guide is an essential piece of any seabirder's kit."

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Beautiful Birds of New Zealand

Rod Morris and Alison Balance

Random House / Godwit

2006

"From the seashore through wetlands and rivers, past towns and pastures and on up to the high country, this book covers all the birds you're likely to see in New Zealand. It describes 100 birds, including some rare and endangered species. Importantly it includes both native and introduced birds. For each bird there is accessible, informative and anecdotal text and a stunning photograph to go with it. Cleverly photographed and gorgeously designed, Beautiful Birds of New Zealand is a must-have both for its beauty and reference material. It fills a gap in the market. Rod Morris and Alison Ballance have impeccable pedigrees in their respective fields of wildlife photography and writing."

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Whio: Saving New Zealand's Blue Duck

David Young

Craig Potton

2006

"The blue duck, or whio, is one of New Zealand's ancient treasures, a beautiful torrent duck that once lived on clear, fast-flowing rivers throughout most of the country. Sadly, this is no longer the case. While the plight of many of our high-profile endangered species, such as the kakapo and kiwi, are well known, the blue duck belongs to the not so well known 'second tier' of endangered species (including kaka, kea, parakeets and North Island brown kiwi) whose numbers have dropped alarmingly in the last 15 years, and who now require urgent recovery programmes to prevent a slide toward extinction. Whio tells the story of how a dedicated group of scientists, field workers and volunteers have set about saving the blue duck, and combines a natural history of the bird with an illustrated history of human interaction, as well as a social history of the blue duck then and now. Recovery efforts are focussed on populations that are found in Te Urewera, the Central North Island, the rivers that flow off Mt Taranaki, Kahurangi National Park, and Fiordland. Heavily illustrated with superb photographs from some of New Zealand's leading wildlife photographers, this is an inspiring, delightful book. The blue duck is particularly special, carrying with it the emblematic power of a bird whose home has come to symbolise the very heart of natural New Zealand."

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Birds of Pukeiti

David G. Medway

Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust

Zenith Publishing

2006

"Pukeiti, the property of the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust, lies between the forested slopes of the Pouakai and Kaitake Ranges in New Zealand's Egmont National Park. Pukeiti is known internationally for its outstanding rhododendron collection, but, in 1967, then curator Rob Hair observed that 'in the eyes of many visitors, the birds at Pukeiti and the lush native growth vie with the attractions of the rhododendrons themselves'. The Birds of Pukeiti is an enlightening work for anyone who is interested in maintaining and enhancing the bird life of New Zealand through plantings of favoured food sources for birds, noxious animal control, and forest enrichment."

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The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

Barrie Heather & Hugh Robertson

Illustrations: Derek Onley

Penguin New Zealand

2005

"A further revised edition of the definitive Field Guide to New Zealand Birds. This is the only field guide to birds that is officially endorsed by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand. Hugh Robertson has further updated the book from its revision in 2000. As well as being a comprehensive, systematic guide to identification, the book is beautifully illustrated with seventy-four pages of original colour drawings representing every bird species in New Zealand. Every detail of the bird's life is covered including habitats, populations, conservation, breeding, behaviour and feeding habits."

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Introducing New Zealand Birds: A Guide To Identifying Common Birds In New Zealand

Alan Arkins

Photographs: Len Doel

Raupo Publishing

2005

"Use this book as a guide for learning about the history of birds in New Zealand, their environments, their habits and places you can find them."

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New Zealand Birds in Focus: A Photographer's Journey

Geoff Moon

Reed

2005

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Back from the Brink

Gerard Hutching

Penguin

2004

"A good-news book celebrating the on-going efforts of scientists and DOC workers to save our endangered and rare bird species. New Zealand has some of the most endangered species in the world: the kaki is the world's rarest wading bird and the taiko is the most threatened seabird in the world. Over the past decades scientists have effectively saved many of the most threatened bird populations, inventing brilliant new ways of doing so. Their success rate has been amazing. The black robin was down to just five birds in 1980 and now numbers over 200. The key to kakapo breeding has been cracked and the population of this bird is on the increase with 24 kakapo chicks hatched in 2002. These are fascinating stories. The book is divided into sections on individual birds that are illustrated with superb photographs from DOC files."

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A Photographic Guide to Birds of New Zealand

Geoff Moon

New Holland

1st edition

2002

"In A Photographic Guide to Birds of New Zealand, fact-filled descriptions highlighting key identification leatures of New Zealand birds are supported by over 200 full-colour photographs. Compact and easy to use, these new books are ideal for anyone with an active interest in natural history."

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Bird Migration In New Zealand

Geoff Moon

Reed Publishing

2002

"This book looks at birds that migrate to, or from New Zealans as well as those which migrate within New Zealand."

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Sea & Shore Birds of New Zealand

David G. Medway

Reed New Zealand Nature Series

Reed

2002

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The Hand Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

Hugh A. Robertson & Barrie Heather

Oxford University Press

2001

"This guide is an updated version of part of the earlier publication The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. This new guide is a pocket size identification guide with colour plates and distribution maps. Contents include an introduction; where to see birds in New Zealand; a glossary; standard references; species accounts and plates and maps."

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New Zealand: Land of Birds

Geoff Moon

New Holland Publishers

2001

"New Zealand: Land of Birds captures the grandeur and variety of many of New Zealand's birds and the wide diversity of environments in which they live, feed and breed. An informative introduction deals with the evolution of many of the species, followed by the impact to them caused through the arrival of the Maori and then the European settlers and their subsequent clearance of the land. Eight chapters comprising over 150 colour photographs and informative text, range over the various landscapes in which many birds may be found, including the coast and selected offshore islands; tidal estuaries, mangroves and lagoons; migrant wading-bird habits; wetlands (lake, swamps and rivers); rural landscapes; forests; high country; and urban landscapes."

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Which New Zealand Bird?: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide to the Identification of New Zealand's Native and Introduced Birds

Andrew Crowe

Illustrations: Dave Gunson

Penguin Books

2001

"The book covers 98 endemic, native, introduced or migrant bird species from all the main habitats. Nine identification habitats feature four similar-looking birds with simple tips for telling them apart. Each bird receives a code from 1-100, indicating how easy the bird is to find. Exquisite colour paintings by Dave Gunson cover a greater level of detail, for example, the very strikingly different juvenile forms or male/female differences, etc. There are also distribution maps for each bird."

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The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Alpine Flora and Fauna

Brian Parkinson

Reed / Raupo

2001

"Many people don't realise that New Zealand hosts an amazing depth of alpine fauna and flora. Included in this books are the mammals, birds, frogs and lizards, fish, insects, spiders, molluscs, shrubs, herbs, orchids, grasses and ferns that inhabit our alpine areas. In The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Alpine Fauna and Flora, Brian Parkinson give easy-to-understand information on the biology, distribution, habitat and characteristcs of over 170 species of fauna and flora that live in New Zealand's alpine regions. Each entry is accompanied by a stunning photograph to make identification in the field easier for the reader."

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The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

Barrie Heather & Hugh Robertson

Illustrations: Derek Onley

Penguin Books New Zealand

2000

"This in-depth guide to field identification is officially endorsed by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand. Every New Zealand bird species is represented in colour and has details on distribution, habitats, populations, conservation, breeding, behaviour and feeding habits."

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Birds of New Zealand: Locality Guide

Stuart Chambers

2rd edition

Arun Books

2000

"An introduction to the birds of New Zealand, aimed at all levels of birdwatcher, and of special use to travellers to the islands. For each of the 170 plus species, there is a brief description, local and Maori names, range, and a guide to localities where it may be seen. This revised and updated second edition contains more species and more areas to watch them. The book does not attempt a complete coverage of New Zealand birds or places. Rather, it is selective, introducing people to birds they have a chance of seeing, and only taking birders to places which are easy to get to and which promise results. This book supports the notion that birds are less endangered and better protected if the public is knowledgeable and educated about them."

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Field Guide to New Zealand Seabirds

Brian Parkinson

New Holland Publishers

1st edition

2000

"Around New Zealand, with its extensive coastline and many inshore and offshore islands, it is possible for the keen observer to see more seabirds than in most other countries. This guide covers 15 seabird groups and describes each species according to various key aspects."

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The Reed Field Guide to Common New Zealand Shorebirds

David G. Medway

Reed

2000

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A Collection of Native New Zealand Birds

Illustrations: Jeremy Bennett

Hanbound: Jonathan Bennett

Bennett Brothers

2000

"Engravings of the endemic birds of New Zealand, each plate accompanied by a short descriptive species text. The illustrations and the text have been printed from metal plates from the original artwork and blind stamped using traditional letterpress techniques. Bound in calf with oiled quarter-sawn matari (a native hardwood) boards, card slipcase, housed in a solander box."

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Wader Studies in New Zealand

A Tribute to Richard B. Sibson (1911-1994) and Barrie D. Heather (1931-1995)

Editor: Hugh A. Robertson

Special edition of Notoris, Volume 46, Part 1

The Ornithological Society of New Zealand

1999

"The Ornithological Society of New Zealand recently lost two of its very select group of Honorary Life Members, Dick Sibson and Barrie Heather. Both were keen amateur members, both were honorary editors of the society's journal Notornis (1955-72 and 1978-94 respectively) and above all, both were wader enthusiasts. Given the special interests that Sib and Barrie shared in waders and in publishing, the Council of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand decided to commemorate their significant contributions to the study of waders in New Zealand by publishing this collection of papers as a special memorial issue of Notornis. The seventeen papers or short notes on waders in this issue are split into three topic areas: distribution and numbers, seasonal moveents, and general ecology of waders. These were all areas of special interest to both Sib and Barrie."

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The Reed Handbook of Common New Zealand Birds

F.C. Kinsky and C.J.R. Robinson

Illustrations: Janet Marshall

Reed

Revised edition

1999

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The Bird Next Door: New Zealand Birds

Piers Hayman

New Holland

1999

"Packed with answers to many of the most commonly asked questions about bird behaviour, The Bird Next Door is the ideal reference for everyone who would like to know more about birds but feels daunted by the scientific detail found in most field guides. Featuring 64 questions and answers and 72 attractive line-art illustrations, the easy-to-read information is grouped into chapters corresponding to areas of interest such as human attitudes to birds, possible conflicts between bird and human Lifestyles, unusual birds (including rare sightings and new immigrants), why birds look and behave the way they do, how birds are affected by natural disasters as well as human-originated disasters, and first aid for birds. Also included is a six-page Bird Finder, a unique reference tool that simplifies the problem of looking up an unidentified bird in a field guide."

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Rare Birds of New Zealand

Geoff Moon

Reed New Zealand Nature Series

Reed

1999

"A companion volume to Common Birds One and Two, this book details rare native birds and uncommon introduced species, mainly stragglers. All the photographs are by the renowned bird photographer Geoff Moon and many appear in print for the first time."

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New Zealand's Unique Birds

Text: Brian Gill

Photographs: Geoff Moon

Reed Publishing

1999

"This stunning book covers the endemic birds of New Zealand, both living and extinct, concentrating on features that make them unique and interesting. New Zealand's birds include the largest living rail and the largest living parrot. Among the extinct species included in the book are the world's tallest bird, biggest penguin, biggest eagle and biggest owlet-nightjar."

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Birdwatching in Australia and New Zealand

Ken Simpson and Zoë Wilson

New Holland Publishers

1998

"This is a comprehensive introduction to birdwatching in Australia and New Zealand, linking bird observation to habitat with a special emphasis on conservation. The book covers a diverse range of subjects: where to find various birds; migration patterns; breeding habits; bird calls; equipment; how to combine bird watching with other hobbies; and birdwatching for the disabled. It lists popular spots to visit, where to buy tools, and birdwatching clubs. Colour photographs help with identification of various birds."

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Where to Watch Birds in Australasia and Oceania

Nigel Wheatley

Christopher Helm / Princeton University Press

1998

"Where to Watch Birds in Australasia and Oceania is the fourth guide in a series that will ultimately cover the whole world. It describes over two hundred major sites in detail and many more in passing, from New Guinea to New Zealand and across the Pacific to Hawaii. Most important, it answers crucial questions you find yourself asking before you go: Where can I see birds that epitomize the region? Which country supports the best cross section of species and the most endemics, and which sites do I need to visit to see most of them? How long do I need, and when is the best time to go? The layout of the book is practical, with countries, archipelagos, and islands treated alphabetically. General introductions to each country are followed by site details, which include bird lists under the headings "Endemics," "Specialties," and "Others"; a list of other wildlife if applicable; and the latest information on where to look for the best birds. Over one hundred maps and fifty line drawings complement the text. This guide will prove invaluable in both the preparation and execution of birding trips to any country, archipelago, or island in this highly varied region of the world."

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Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

Barrie Heather, Hugh A. Robertson

Illustrator: Derek Onley

Oxford University Press

1997

"This guide to the birds of New Zealand aims to help the user to identify wild birds seen anywhere in the New Zealand region, and also provides the reader with a brief and informative summary of what is known about each species. The first section of the book is an identification guide; on the page opposite the colour plate is a distribution map for those species breeding in New Zealand, which shows plumage and behavioural details that should help identify the species, sex and/or age of the bird you see in the field. The distribution maps show where species breeding in New Zealand may be found in suitable habitat. Maps for vagrants, stragglers and non-native seabirds, and for migratory waders (which can turn up in any estuary around the coast) are given in the second part of the book which gives more details on the distribution and ecology of each species."

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Birdwatching in New Zealand

Ian Burfield

1997

A 50 page guide.

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The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Birds

Geoff Moon

Reed Publishing

1996

"A comprehensive field guide to all species found on mainland New Zealand."

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Common Birds in New Zealand 1: Town, Open Country and Wetland Birds

Geoff Moon

Reed Publishing

1996

"An excellent identification guide to the commonly seen birds of New Zealand. Clear colour photographs by wildlife photographer and author Geoff Moon are supplemented by a brief summary of information about each bird."

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Common Birds in New Zealand 2: Mountain, Forest and Shore Birds

Geoff Moon

Reed Publishing

1996

"An excellent identification guide to those commonly seen birds of New Zealand not included in Volume 1. Clear colour photographs by wildlife photographer and author Geoff Moon are supplemented by a brief summary of information about each bird."

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New Zealand's Native Birds of Bush & Countryside

Penguin Pocket Guides

Penguin Books

1996

"This handy-sized photographic guide provides ready identification of the native birds of New Zealand's bush and countryside. Species are arranged alphabetically by common name, the brilliant photographs accompanied by concise, informative texts that describe the birds' habitats, plumage and characteristics. Penguin's Pocket Guides are the perfect introduction to the unique birdlife of this country."

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Rare and Endangered New Zealand Birds

Peter Gaze

Canterbury University Press

1994

A guide to some of New Zealand's most endangered birds including the kokako, black robin and yellow-eyed penguin.

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Chatham Islands Ornithology

A Tribute to Sir Charles A. Fleming KBE, DSc, FRS, FRSNZ 1916-1987

Editor: Richard N. Holdaway

Special edition of Notoris, Volume 41, Supplement

The Ornithological Society of New Zealand

1994

"The contributions to this Fleming Memorial Issue of Notornis can touch on only a small part of Sir Charles Fleming's encyclopaedic interests. Underlying all the accounts, however, one can discern the extent of his contributions to science and society in New Zealand. The natural sciences, particularly geology and ornithology, are fortunate in being able to claim Sir Charles as their own. His enthusiasm led him to enter many other fields, but it is with birds, and especially Chatham Island birds, that most Society members will associate him. This volume begins with Peter Bull's appreciation of Sir Charles Fleming's contribution to Chatham Island ornithology in which he summarises Sir Charles's special contribution to knowledge of Chatham Island birds and his staunch and lasting advocacy of protection and research on the islands and their fauna. There follows 15 papers whose contents range from general summaries of the land (Freeman) and oceanic (Imber) birds, to detailed studies of parakeets (Nixon), passerines (McLean et al.), Brown Skuas (Young), and Shore Plover (Davis)."

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Collins Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

R.A. Falla, R.B. Sibson & E.G. Turbott

Collins

1993

"A comprehensive, lavishly illustrated guide to the birds of New Zealand and outlying islands."

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Sea and Shore Birds of New Zealand

Elaine Power

David Bateman

1992

A 48 page guide.

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Countryside and Garden Birds of New Zealand

Elaine Power

David Bateman

1992

A 48 page guide.

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Birds Of New Zealand

Chloe Talbot Kelly

Collins

1991

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The Hoiho: New Zealand's Yellow-Eyed Penguin

Adele Vernon

Photographs: Dean Schneider

Philomel Books

1991

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A Flying Start: Commemorating Fifty Years of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand 1940-1990

Editor: B.D. Heather & B.J. Gill

New Zealand Ornithological Society

Random Century

1990

"A collection of essays by a diverse range of members of the Society. The essays cover the history of the Society and its various schemes, reminiscences of the Society's early days, reviews of various specialised aspects of ornithology - from birds in art to bird banding - and biographical accounts of key figures in the history of ornithology in New Zealand. Accompanied by numerous illustrations, this book is a comprehensive celebration of New Zealand ornithology."

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Fifty Years of Bird Study in New Zealand: An Index To Notornis 1939-1989

Editor: B.D. Heather & P.M. Sheehan

New Zealand Ornithological Society

1990

"This index provides a means to easily locate papers and short notes published in the Society's publications over the last fifty years. The index is in two parts: Author index and Subject index. This is not a comprehensive index; that is, it does not list every mention of every bird regardless of the value of the reference. It does, however, provide a very useful starting point for locating references by author or subject."

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99 New Zealand Birds

Don Hadden

Caxton Press

1990

A guide to 99 of the commoner birds found in New Zealand. Generally each bird has a single page with a colouyr photograph and a brief text that describes appearance and distribution.

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Bush and High Country Birds of New Zealand

Elaine Power

David Bateman

1988

A 48 page guide.

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New Zealand Birds in Focus: A Photographic Collection

Geoff Moon

Weldon

1988

"Recognized as one of the world's outstanding photographers of bird life, this superb collection of more than 350 photographs of New Zealand birds is the author's personal selection."

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Handbook of Common New Zealand Birds

F.C. Kinsky and C.J.R. Robinson

Illustrations: Janet Marshall

Reed

1987

"This book has been designed for use in the practical visual identification of New Zealand's common birds. More than eighty finely detailed color portraits present a clear image of each species described. There is also a concise summary of basic information about the birds' field characters, distribution, habitat & breedin. The handbook covers a wide range of birds, both native & introduced, & a variety of habitats - town, pasture, mountain, bush & shoreline."

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A Field Guide to New Zealand's Lakes and Rivers

Brian Parkinson & Geoffrey Cox

Random Century

1986

A guide to the fauna and flora of rivers and lakes in New Zealand.

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New Zealand Birds: An Artist's Field Studies

Raymond Ching

Foreword: Graham Turbott

Reed Methuen

1986

Includes reproductions of 69 oil and watercolour paintings and over 70 drawings.

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The Southern Ark: Zoological Discovery in New Zealand 1769-1900

J.R.H. Andrews

Century Hutchinson

1986

130 year history of the European discovery of New Zealand fauna and the accompanying writing and artwork.

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The Atlas of Bird Distribution in New Zealand

P.C. Bull, P.D. Gaze and C.J.R. Robertson

Ornithological Society of New Zealand

1985

"This atlas presents information on bird distribution collected between September 1969 and December 1979 during a joint undertaking by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand, the Ecology Division of the Department for Scientific and Industrial Research, and the New Zealand Wildlife Service, Department of Internal Affairs. Field observers were encouraged to compile lists of bird species from as many as possible of the 10,000 yard squares of the national map grid (Lands and Survey Department map series NZMS1 and NZMS18). There are 1614 of these squares in the North Island and 2016 in the South Island, while a further 45 squares cover Stewart Island and its smaller neighbours. The data were coded and a computer was used to prepare maps showing the squares from which species had been reported. These species maps, supplemented by tables, constitute the main printed part of the present atlas."

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New Zealand in the Wild

Editor: Stephen Barnett

Collins

1985

An illustrated A-Z of Native and Introduced Birds, Mammals, Reptiles and Amphibians.

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Complete Book Of New Zealand Birds

Reader's Digest

1985

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Birds of New Zealand and Outlying Islands

M.F. Soper

Whitcoulls

1984

Text for nearly 300 species with colour photographs of around 180 species.

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Discovering the Birds of New Zealand

Piers Hayman

Collins

1984

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New Zealand Birds

Warren Jacobs, Don Braithwaite, Don Hadden, John Warham

Kowhai Publishing

1983

"Many factors have contributed to the uniqueness of New Zealand's bird life and in common with the landscape there is a rich diversity and beauty that is close to the heart of nature lovers...Collected within is some of the best work of New Zealand's leading bird photographers together with an informative text contributed by three authoritative writers."

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New Zealand's Birds

Geoff Moon and Ronald Lockley

Heinemann

1982

Large format guide to 125 of the commoner species of new Zealand with colour photographs by Geoff Moon.

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Birds at Risk: Rare or Endangered Species of New Zealand

Richard B. Sibson

Illustrations: Bill Howard

Reed

1982

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The Cockatoos and Nestors of Australia and New Zealand

Gracius J. Broinswski

1981

A limited edition publication of 13 colour plates originally published in 1888. In addition to facsimile reproduction of the original plates and text this edition includes supporting appendices.

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Birds of Auckland

Tim Lovegrove

Wilson & Horton

1980

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New Zealand Endangered Species: Birds, Bats, Reptiles, Freshwater Fishes, Snails, and Insects

Ronald M. Lockley

Illustrations: Noel Cusa

Cassell

1980

"From the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers a thousand years ago to the present day, man has been the destroyer of much of New Zealand's beautiful endemic wildlife. To this paradise free of mammalian predators the Maoris brought dogs and kiore rats and with in 800 years were responsible for the extermination moas and several species. Europeans settlers achieved the same feat in less than 200 years with the introduction of numerous predatory mammals and herbivores to compete with and destroyed the weak-winged birds, reptiles, snails and insects. Rare and endanged species or subspecies of New Zealand have been vividly recorded here by Noel Cusa's paintings in full colour. They are described by Richard Lockley, who explains why they are in danger of extention and what's being done to try and save them, as man, belatedly, endeavours to play the new role of protector."

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Seabirds of New Zealand

Elaine Power

Collins

1979

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Collins Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

R.A. Falla, R.B. Sibson & E.G. Turbott

Collins

1978

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New Zealand Birds

M.F. Soper

Whitcoulls

2nd edition

1976

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An Album of New Zealand Birds

Editor: Brian A. Ellis

50 colour plates: Lily Daff

The Royal Forest And Bird Protection Society Of New Zealand

Reed

1975

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New Zealand Albatrosses & Petrels: An Identification Guide

Peter C. Harper and F.C. Kinsky

The Biological Society, Victoria University of Wellington

1974

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New Zealand Birds

W.R.B. Oliver

A.H. & A.W. Reed

1974

A facsimile publication of the revised edition that was originally published in 1955.

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New Zealand Water Birds: An Artist's Journal

Elaine Power

Collins

1973

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Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

R.A. Falla, R.B. Sibson & E.G. Turbott

Illustrations: Chloe Talbot Kelly

Collins

1972

"A complete guide to the native and introduced species of New Zealand & outlying islands."

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New Zealand Birds

M.F. Soper

Robert Hale

1972

Includes five sections: birds of the back country; birds of forest and scrub lands; birds of waterways and wetlands; birds of the coast; and pelagic birds and birds of the outlying islands

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Waders in New Zealand

Elaine Power

Collins

1971

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Small Birds of the New Zealand Bush

Elaine Power

Collins

1971

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The Birds Around Us

R.H.D. Stidolph

Hedley's Bookshop

1971

Subtitled: From a Diary of Bird Observations in New Zealand Over a Period of 50 Years 1921-1971

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Annotated Checklist of the Birds of New Zealand

F.C. Kinsky, & The Ornithological Society of New Zealand

A.H. and A.W. Reed for the Ornithological Society of New Zealand

1970

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Common Birds of Garden and Farmland

P.C. Bull

Department of Education

1968

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Birds of Paradox: Birdlife in Australia and New Zealand

Editor: Jack Pollard

Lansdowne

1967

A collection of prose, poetry and artwork celebrating the birds of Australia and New Zealand. Includes work by John Gould, Joseph Banks, Alec Chisholm, Banjo Paterson, Neville Cayley, Alan Moorehead, Robin Hill, Judith Wright, Vincent Serventy, Crosbie Morrison, Mary Gilmore and Olaf Ruhen.

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Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

R.A. Falla, R.B. Sibson & E.G. Turbott

Illustrations: Chloe Talbot Kelly

Collins

1966

"A complete guide to the native and introduced species of New Zealand & outlying islands."

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More New Zealand Bird Portraits

M.F. Soper

Whitcombe and Tombs

1965

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New Zealand Bird Portraits

M.F. Soper

Whitcombe and Tombs

1963

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Bird Islands of New Zealand

Robert Wilson

Whitcombe and Tombs

1959

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New Zealand Forest-Inhabiting Birds

Forest And Bird Protection Society Of New Zealand

3rd edition

1959

An album of 24 colour plates by Lily A. Daff. Originally published in 1939.

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New Zealand Birds

W.R.B. Oliver

A.H. & A.W. Reed

Revised edition

1955

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New Zealand Sea And Shore Birds

Forest And Bird Protection Society Of New Zealand

1953

An album of 24 colour plates by Lily A. Daff.

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Checklist of New Zealand Birds

C.A. Fleming et al

The Ornithological Society Of New Zealand / Reed

1953

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New Zealand Birds

W.R.B. Oliver

A Fine Arts Production

1930

Includes 6 colour plates and 200 other illustrations.

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Bird Song and New Zealand Song Birds

Johannes C. Andersen

Whitcombe and Tombs

1926

From the introduction: "It has often been questioned whether any similarity exists between the song of birds and the song of human beings: whether birds modulate their voices in intervals agreeing with those that build up the scale of the octave. That it is possible for them to do so is evident, since they are able to slur from one note into another, through the full octave, in the same way that the human voice is able to do. Yet most writers, if they theorize at all upon the subject of bird-song, contend that birds do not sing with regular or constant intervals, and 'would not deign to be fettered with a scale'".

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Mutton Birds And Other Birds

H. Guthrie-Smith

Whitcombe and Tombs

1914

From the opening chapter: "From the date on which the first Moa bone was brought to England, the Avifauna of New Zealad has excited a peculiar interest. There was a romance of science in that paper where, against the advice of friends, Owen staked his reputation on the interpretation of a single bone; and more learned papers have perhaps been written about our Kiwis than about any other family of birds in the world. The enormous period of time during which New Zealand has been isolated, has given her birds time for a high degree of specialisation; and by scientific ornithologists our Dominion, small as is its extent, has been considered the most striking and most essential of the six regions into which the bird life of the world has been apportioned. Our birds will fit into no well-ordered groups: our Thrushes are hardly Thrushes, our Crows are hardly Crows, our Starling is hardly a Starling. The trusteeship of these rare creatures is in our hands, and it is worthwhile to consider to what extent the distinction has been deserved and the responsibility honoured. It is well also to consider what steps can be taken, even at this, the eleventh hour, to save our remaining species; and I should here like, firstly, to state my emphatic belief that this subject should be altogether removed from the field of sentiment, and secondly, to plead with Mrs. Gamp that if do call my fellow-citizens names it is only done to 'rouse them.' It may be at once admitted that humanity can survive without the rarer and more recluse birds. The race could exist without the more beautiful orders of flowering plants, without music, and without art, but if anything is true it is that 'man does not live by bread alone.' We do not most highly prize the necessaries of life, but rather the delicacies of taste and sight and hearing, - the pleasures of our leisure hours.

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The Animals Of New Zealand

An Account Of The Dominion's Air Breathing Vertabrates

Captain F.W. Hutton and James Drummond

Whitcombe and Tombs

3rd edition

1909

From the preface: "The first edition of this work was published in 1904. It was much more successful than Captain Hutton or I, or even the publishers, had anticipated, and a second edition was found to be necessary in the following year, 1905. Captain Hutton was then suffering' from a serious illness. He went to England for a change, and was not able to take any part in the work of seeing the second edition through the press. Before he left New Zealand, however, we discussed several alterations to the first edition and decided to make some additions. A copy of the second edition reached him in England on September 19th, 1905, and he wrote to me on that date expressing his appreciation of the work. About five weeks later, October 27th, he died at sea on his way back to New Zealand. Very few scientific works, especially in a country with less than a million inhabitants, reach a third edition, and it is gratifying to know that the people of New Zealand by their demand for this book have expressed their appreciation of the efforts Captain Hutton and I made to supply them with scientific and popular information in regard to the animals of their own country."

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Supplement To The Birds Of New Zealand

Walter Lawry Buller

Illustrations: J.G. Keulemans and others

Published by the author

1905

From the preface: "Seventeen years have now elapsed since the publication of my Second Edition of the 'Birds of New Zealand.' During that period several new and interesting species have been discovered, a number of wanderers or stragglers, from Australia and elsewhere, have been detected on our shores, and much detailed information, more or less important, has been obtained respecting most, if not all, of the species described in that work. I have thought it better, instead of bringing out a new edition of so expensive a book, to issue a Supplement of two volumes, conforming in their style and appearance to the original Vols. I. and II., in which all this new material will be embodied, and coloured illustrations given of species not figured in the former volumes. I have taken this opportunity of reclassifying the avifauna of New Zealand according to the most modern system of arrangement, namely that adopted by Dr. Bowdler Sharpe in his recently published 'Handlist of Birds'; so that, although in the nature of a 'Supplement' forming, as it were, a necessary acquisition for those who possess my former work, the present publication is virtually complete in itself, embracing all the known species."

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The Cockatoos and Nestors of Australia and New Zealand

Gracius J. Broinswski

1888

Uncertain if this was published as a book or as a set of loose plates. The plates had been prepared for the proposed publication Birds Of Australia.

A limited edition book with facsimile reproductions of the plates and their supporting text together with a number of appendices was published by Lansdowne Editions in 1981.

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Manual Of The Birds Of New Zealand

Walter L. Buller

Illustrations: J.G. Keulemans and others

Colonial Museum and geological Survey Department

1882

From the preface: "The Catalogue of the Birds of New Zealand published by this department in September, 1871 having been long out of print, and there being a general demand for something to take its place, Dr. Buller has prepared the following Manual for the use of students in the colony, in anticipation of a more comprehensive work on the subject which he has in progress. As a matter of convenience, the author has consented to adopt the classification, as well as the descriptive portion, of the above-named Catalogue, introducing only such corrections in the text as appeared to be absolutely necessary, and altering the nomenclature in accordance with his own published views on various disputed points. At the same time all doubtful forms have been expunged, while the newly discovered species have been added, bringing the total number up to 176; and brief sketches of life-history have been incorporated, drawn almost entirely from the author's classical "History of the Birds of New Zealand," a work of such merit that, although it has only been published for eight years, it is now considered a book of rare value. The accompanying plates are reductions, by a new application of photo-lithography, from the inimitable drawings by Keulemans which form the coloured illustrations to that work, with the addition of four more, copied from other sources. The woodcuts, in illustration of the generic characters, were specially executed for this Manual."

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A History Of The Birds Of New Zealand

Walter Lawry Buller

Illustrations: J.G. Keulemans

John Van Voorst

1872-1873

From the preface: "The study of Ornithology has always been a source of intense enjoyment to me; and to write a history of the Birds of my native country was one of the day-dreams of my early boyhood. In maturer years my intervals of leisure, during an active official life in the colony, have been chiefly devoted to the collection of materials for such an undertaking; and the result is now presented to the public in a form which will, I trust, be acceptable to both the scientific and the general reader. With what amount of success I have executed my self-imposed task it is not for me to decide. I am conscious, however, of having bestowed much honest labour upon it; and the highly favourable manner in which it has been reviewed, as well as the numerous letters of commendation and approval which I have received from persons in every way competent to form a judgment, give me reason to believe that my efforts have not been misdirected. As a proof that I have spared myself no trouble to make the work complete I may mention that, without a single exception, the descriptions of the species have been taken from specimens actually before me, and that every measurement given throughout the book has been made or verified by myself. The life-histories are, for the most part, records of my own observations during a number of years; and I have endeavoured to make them as truthful as possible. It will be seen, however, that I have not failed to avail myself of the notes of other local naturalists, whose contributions are, in every instance, duly acknowledged."

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Catalogue Of The Birds Of New Zealand With Diagnoses Of The Species

Frederick Woolaston Hutton

Geological Survey Of new Zealand

1871

From the introduction: "This Catalogue has been prepared by direction of Dr. Hector, with the view of enabling naturalists in New Zealand to name correctly any bird whose habits they may have noticed, and so render their observations useful to science. It has been drawn up chiefly from the collection of birds purchased from Mr. Buller for the Colonial Museum, which contains type specimens of all his new species, except Gerygone assimilis and Creadion cinereus; but, in addition, I have examined all the public Museums in the Colony, and by these means have been able to see personally 143 out of the 160 species here described. To make it as complete as possible, a catalogue of the birds that have been introduced into the Colony has also been added. This has been compiled from the reports of the various Acclimatisation Societies in New Zealand, and from personal visits to all their gardens. By far the greater part of the birds I have myself seen, but the Jackdaw, Cirl Bunting, Eeed Bunting, Bulliiuch, Tree Sparrow, Ked-pole, Diamond Sparrow, Turnix variiis, and three Pigeons, are included from descriptions only."

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Last updated January 2014