Diversity and individuality are at once something that defines and unites the people of New Zealand. The same can be said for the breadth of interesting, colourful and quirky native bird fauna we have on our three islands. So today, as we pause to recognise the 1840 signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the Google Doodle pays tribute to some of our iconic native birds.
Inspired by the variety, colour and brilliance seen in native birds of New Zealand, the artwork depicts three of our most precious birds. Kiwi’s popular namesake, the iconic bird sits at the centre, with the Tūī and the Kererū either side.
New Zealand’s bush is home to around 168 different native birds. And astonishingly over half of these are species cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The Tūī, treasured for its imitation skills, is able to use two voice boxes to mimic nearby sounds. The Kererū’s distinct sound of its wing beat in flight would be recognised by many. And of course the Kiwi, which instead of just being a popular nickname for people from Aotearoa, is the only bird in the world with nostrils at the end of its long bill.
Our rich collection of bird fauna has developed these individual characteristics from evolving on our remote South Pacific island shores. Look up into the sky, or down to the ground, and enjoy these wonders of biodiversity.
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