Rare birds fledge within Wellington's Zealandia despite some untimely deaths

Tuesday, 7 January 2020

Three hihi chicks have left the nest after their 'super dad' took on the tough task to raise his chicks following their mother's death.

The mum, who died of a brain injury, left behind a nest of young hihi chicks in Zealandia this breeding season.

Staff at the Wellington predator-free park were concerned the death of one of their 20 females would also mean the loss of the only nest of hihi chicks it had in the area this year.

But the father intervened and 'did an incredible job', Zealandia director Danielle Shanahan said.

A male hihi has successfully raised a nest of three chicks after the birds' mother died of a brain injury.

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She said it was quite unusual for a male bird to take on full responsibility of his chicks but this one was a 'champion', barely stopping to rest until the nest of chicks had grown.

Tītipounamu/riflemen are thriving in Zealandia, staff say.

A ranger in the park set up a feeder near the nest to help the bird access additional food and the chicks fledged this week. They have been spotted near feeders, following their dad around the park.

The hihi had been through a difficult couple of seasons, Shanahan said. It's hoped the chicks will grow up to help raise numbers next year.

Zealandia has warned the public not to feed any kākā after a nest of two chicks died of metabolic bone disease. The park expects about 60 young birds, like those pictured, from this breeding season.

But populations of kākā chicks this year have been promising with another 42 hatched and 18 on the way.

Sadly, one nest of chicks was lost to metabolic bone disease – brought on by the birds eating and being fed the wrong foods.

The two chicks were fed a foreign diet, which can lead to physical abnormalities such as a deformed beak. Birds with the disease die before reaching adulthood, Shanahan said.

It was important the public were aware of the effects feeding kākā had to the adult birds and thier chicks, she said. Do not feed them.

Rangers have seen tītipounamu, commonly known as the rifleman, thrive in Zealandia three months after clutches were spotted.

'It's really cool for visitors,' Shanahan said. More importantly, it appeared the tiny birds, which weigh about 6 grams each, will have a positive future in the park.