New Zealand pipit
pīhoihoi · Anthus novaeseelandiae
Would be found in open grassy areas and on sandy beaches.
Not seen on Kawau in recent years.
Story
Pipits did well when forests were cleared, then declined as farming intensified. In the Auckland region they are thinly spread and little studied. They recovered strongly after rats were removed from Campbell Island.
Behaviour
A streaky brown bird of open ground: beaches, rough pasture and riverbeds. It walks rather than hops and constantly flicks its long tail up and down.