Due to their adaptations, introduced birds are more common in our towns than native species

New Zealand ruru or owl (commonly called morepork) in a tree.

Adaptations change slowly and only over many, many generations. For some native birds, their adaptations actually threaten the birds’ survival. Many New Zealand birds are flightless, and that combined with their slow breeding rates, small clutch sizes and large eggs are some of the factors that affect their survival. These flightless birds and large eggs are easy prey for predators. Many of New Zealand’s nocturnal birds will not thrive in brightly lit urban environments.

Due to their adaptations, introduced birds are more common in our towns than native species

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Due to their adaptations, introduced birds are more common in our towns than native species

Glossary

Explore related content

Interactive

Birds: Structure, function and adaptation

Article

Conserving native birds – introduction

Article

Protecting native birds

Article

Native bird adaptations