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Zoo Horticulture; More than just Gardening
24 May 2005
Recently captivating an audience at Berhampore Nursery in Wellington, Wellington Zoo Horticulturalist, Tony Kelly presented his knowledge on 'Attracting Native Birds Using Native Plants'.
Native Plants
The native flora of New Zealand is unique having evolved for millions of years in a geographically isolated setting.
80% of New Zealand trees, ferns and flowering plants are endemic, that is, they are only found in New Zealand.
At present about 10% to 15% of the total land area of New Zealand is covered with native flora, ranging from Kauri forests to rainforests dominated by rimu, beech, tawa, matai and rata; ferns and flax; dunelands with spinifex and pingao; alpine and sub-alpine fields to scrub and tussock.
Creating A Habitat
Any garden can be made attractive for native birds, no matter what size the section or balcony. Planting shelter belts and hedges will provide nesting places, as well as create a perfect habitat for insects which are important food resources for native birds. Planting trees and shrubs will also produce edible seeds, berries, leaves, flowers or nectar all of which will sustain a variety of birds.
Some bird species may only visit seasonally when their particular food is available while others may stay as permanent residents. This will depend on factors including whether there is food available all year round, the threat of predators such as dogs, cats and rats and the existence of nearby bush.
Native Trees To Plant
A variety of trees and shrubs can be planted year-round so as to provide a food source for birds. Planting must be carefully planned such that there are different flowers and fruit available throughout the year.
What Do Our Birds Eat?
The following provide examples of foods that New Zealand native birds eat.
- Kereru Mainly fruit (berries) but they will also eat leaves and flowers. Species include
-Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)-Nectar
-Vitex lucens (Puriri)-Fruit
-Sophora microphylla (Kowhai)-Nectar
-Pseudopanax arboreus (Fivefinger)-Nectar
- Kaka Seeds, succulents, berries, fruit
-Vitex lucens (Puriri)-Fruit
-Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)-Nectar
-Phormium tenax (Mountain flax)-Nectar
-Phormium cookianum (Lowland flax)-Nectar
- Tui Nectar and fruit
-Vitex lucens (Puriri)-Fruit
-Pittosporum crassifoium (Karo)-Nectar
- Fantail Nectar and fruit
-Sophora microphylla (Kowhai)-Nectar
FAQ
What are some of the things we should take into account when designing a garden or habitat for native birds?
Answer
Try to get a feel for where the native birds come from, where they live and the surroundings. Look at the particular type of habitat; is it dense bush or canopy trees, shrubs or a combination of all of these. If possible break the analysis down even further to the types of plants found in the area, then plant accordingly.
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