Since human settlement of  New Zealand, at least 51 bird species have become extinct, and many others have become either locally extinct or endangered.  Of the 51 extinctions, 21 species survived till the arrival of Europeans before they too became extinct. While the exact cause of  a bird species decline to extinction is often debated, a number of contributing factors including loss of habitat, habitat fragmentation, competition, predation and avian diseases brought in with European introduced birds are likely to have played a part in their demise.

The tables below provide a list of bird species that can be found in the Styx catchment.  Further information about the status and habitat requirements of wetland birds and bush birds can be found on other pages.

Wetland Birds

Native Bush Birds