Little Blue PenguinThe extend of the local Little Blue Penguin population was unknown until the Rena Oil Spill crisis. 350 oiled penguins – mostly from Mauao, Moturiki and Motuotau, were caught, cleaned and released back into their original environment after the rocks were cleared of oil. It was during this time that we “discovered” the local population was much bigger than we had imagined.
Our Wildlife
The Bay of Plenty is home to a wide range of native and endemic bird species.
Western Bay Wildlife Trust focuses conservation and monitoring efforts on three key sites; Moturiki, Mount Maunganui Main Beach, and Mauao. These sites support a wide range of seabirds, shorebirds, and land-based birds.
Below are some of the species that you may encounter when spending time around the area.
Please note: some of these birds are more common than others, they are categorised below in no particular order, and there are other native species not listed on this page that you may find around the area.
Sea Birds
Seabirds spend most of their lives at sea. We only get a brief glimpse into their behaviour when they come to the land to breed, so this is when our monitoring is most important. WBWT, focuses on the local Ōi (Grey-Faced Petrel) and Kororā (Little Blue Penguin) populations. Learn more about these amazing seabirds and a few of the other species that we come into contact with.
Grey-Faced PetrelAbout 500 birds use the colony at Mauao, spread around the base of the mountain under the skirts of the pohutukawa forest, with some burrows higher up to a maximum of c.75m above sea level. Ōi are one of New Zealand’s most common seabirds, with vast colonies on Moutuhora (Whale Island) off Whakatane, and a large number on Motuotau (Rabbit Island) just offshore from Moturiki (Leisure Island).
Diving PetrelDiving petrels nest on Motuotau in the hundreds. These birds were particularly vulnerable to the Rena oil as they fly close to the surface of the water and sometimes fly through waves. Some birds that had been banded with metal bands during the 1990s were still alive during a survey in 2011. They are trying to re-establish themselves on Mauao and Moturiki but struggle against cats and stoats that easily catch and kill them.
Australasian GannetThe Australasian gannet dives for fish from a great height. It is the only bird in the world with an s-shaped bone in the wing to allow for the winds to fold back flat when diving. If you are lucky you can see Gannets diving off Mauao in Pilot Bay. Their nearest breeding colony is White Island, off Whakatane.
Sooty ShearwaterMore of a transient species, with vast colonies south of Stewart Island, nevertheless it is often seen wheeling offshore. Can be confused with either the Black Petrel, which nests on Great & Little Barrier Islands, or the Flesh-footed Shearwater of Karewa Island, near Matakana Island.
Shore Birds
Shorebirds mostly live along the coast and are easier to spot than seabirds. They find food on beaches and in shallow tidal areas. WBWT focuses its monitoring on the local breeding populations of the Northern New Zealand Dotterel and Variable Oystercatcher.
New Zealand Dotterel60 Rena New Zealand Dotterel were kept at Te Maunga Wildlife Hospital during the Rena oil spill. During January 2014, a pair nested in the middle of the main beach! Now we have at least 5+ pairs nesting on the Main Beach every breeding season, which are fenced off to protect them.
Variable OystercatcherVariable Oystercatchers are present on Mauao, often breeding near the start of the Mauao Base Track, as well as the main beach. They can be found in both all-black and black-and-white plumage. During their breeding season over summer, nests on Mount Maunganui Main Beach are fenced off to support their breeding success.
Black-Backed GullThe most common gull species is also the noisiest, with lots of nests now appearing around Mauao. This species has benefited from human habitation, and exists in artificially high numbers in the Bay of Plenty, as well as the rest of the country.
Land Birds
Terrestrial (or land-based) birds don’t spend much time at sea or on the coastline. The Bay of Plenty is home to many different land bird species, both native and introduced. Whilst WBWT focuses on seabird and shorebird populations, local terrestrial species also benefit from the pest animal control efforts we carry out, facilitating improved protection.
Ruru (Morepork)The bush on Mauao, Moturiki and Motuotau provides good cover for this owl, and it has been noted on most nights when the Petrel teams are running.
FantailOtherwise known as Pīwakawaka or Tīwaiwaka, the Fantail is one of New Zealand's best known birds. It's iconic tail feathers make it instantly recognisable and happily live near humans, often spotted parks and gardens. They are very vocal and their loud birdsong lets you know when they are nearby.
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