Pīhoihoi / New Zealand pipit

Anthus novaeseelandiae

At Risk - Declining

Quick-footed, alert and always on the move, the New Zealand pipit, or pīhoihoi,  is a small, ground-dwelling bird found in open habitats across Aotearoa. With its streaky brown plumage and constant tail-wagging, the pihoihoi blends seamlessly into tussock lands, riverbeds and coastal scrub – but is easily spotted once you learn its habits.

Quick Facts:

• Pīhoihoi get their name from their sharp, repeated call: “pi-hoi-hoi!”
• They are excellent runners, often seen darting along the ground before taking short, fluttery flights.
• Build their nests in shallow ground scrapes, making them vulnerable to predators like cats and stoats.
• Often confused with introduced skylarks, but pipits have a more upright stance and a constantly flicking tail.

Protecting pīhoihoi means safeguarding open, predator-free habitats – ensuring this understated native bird continues to thrive in the wild places of Aotearoa.

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