Fluttering shearwater
pakahā · Puffinus gavia
Often seen in low, fast-flying flocks or resting rafts on the water around the island, especially in summer and autumn.
Story
Found only in New Zealand, this is one of the most familiar seabirds of the northern inshore waters, often in flocks of thousands. It now breeds only on predator-free islands, including the Mokohinau Islands, and has returned to Hauturu/Little Barrier on its own since rats were removed.
Behaviour
Pakahā fly low and fast, with bursts of rapid wingbeats between short glides. They dive after small fish, swimming underwater on half-folded wings, and often feed alongside schools of kahawai and trevally. Between feeds they rest together in large, dense rafts.