The New Zealand Fairy Tern is New Zealand's rarest species of bird! There are only about 45 birds left and of that only 12 are breeding pairs.
Habitat
Fairy Terns live New Zealand, Australia and New Calidonia. In New Zealand the Fairy Tern has only four successful breeding sites; Waipu sandspit, Mangawhai sandspit, Pakiri River mouth and Papakanui sandspit. Fairy Terns nest in the open on beaches clear of vegetation and debris. Unlike other birds, Fairy Terns do not nest in colonies, they nest kilometres apart. Description Fairy Terns grow up to 25cm long and can be as heavy as 70g. They have light grey upper parts and white underparts as well as a white rump and forked tail. Breeding birds have an orange beak and a black cap that covers the top of their head and surrounds the eye, but never reaches the beak. |
Diet
Fairy Terns eat young fish like flounder, gobies, elvers and other costal fish. They also eat shrimps.
Threats
One of the Fairy Terns main threats is the degradation of sand dunes and beaches for residential and farming reasons. Another threat is introduced predators like Stoats, Feral Cats, Weasels and Hedgehogs that either eat the birds or the eggs.
How can we help?
As the Fairy Terns nest is so exposed the breeding/nesting season is a very important time to raise awareness about the birds and ensure the eggs and chicks will be able to grow up and help the population recover. Lots of Volunteers and DOC staff talk to people on the beach about the plight of the Fairy Tern and monitor the birds and the birds nests. Areas containing nests are fenced off and occasionally sandbagged to protect nests from waves and storms. Where nessesery eggs/chicks are removed if there parents are not able to raise them.
Throughout the year fishermen are asked to bury fish bones/remains so they do not attract gulls.
You can help by donating or becoming a member of the New Zealand Fairy Tern Charitable Trust and DOC asks that if you see a Fairy Tern you report it, no matter if it is alive or dead.
References
DOC: https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/nz-fairy-tern-tara-iti/
NZ Birds Online: http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/fairy-tern
New Zealand Fairy Tern Trust: https://fairytern.org.nz
Rare Species: https://rarespecies.nzfoa.org.nz/species/new-zealand-fairy-tern/