Birds of Tiritiri Matangi
 Whiteheads were transferred to Tiritiri Matangi from Little Barrier Island |
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When Tiritiri Matangi reverted to Crown ownership in 1972 bird species such as tui, fantail, bellbird and spotless crake remained amongst the remnant pohutukawa, kohekohe and taraire trees. Many other bird, lizard and insect species had disappeared from the island.
Once the planting programme began and vegetation became established on the island, bird releases were planned for takahe, hihi, and saddlebacks.
 Kakariki were an accidental release to the island and are thriving in the forest |
Kakariki, red crowned parakeet, arrived in 1974 as an accidental release. A boat taking kakariki to Curvier Island had to shelter from very bad weather in a bay off Tiritiri Matangi. The birds couldn't stay on board and so were released onto Tiritiri Matangi instead.
Saddlebacks were translocated (introduced) a few years later from Curvier Island and are frequently sighted today. Takahe were brought from Maud Island (Marlborough Sounds). They have also bred successfully with over 20 birds now living on Tiritiri Matangi.
In 1993 there was a poisoning programme to kill the kiore (rats) on the island. Once the rats had gone more bird translocations were made. The extremely rare little spotted kiwi came from Kapiti Island. Whiteheads and north island robins came from Little Barrier.
Kokako were translocated from Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre. With breeding successes there are 10 birds now on the island. Hihi (stitchbirds) from Mt Bruce have been released and there is a current breeding population of 32 adults and 64 juveniles.
Recently dams were constructed to develop pond areas for brown teal. Kaka and kereru fly from Little Barrier Island and the mainland to feed in the forest.
Little blue (northern) penguin are some of the few remaining seabirds using the island. Over time it is hoped that the island will be home to many burrowing seabirds again as the forest floor becomes soft and rich with humus.