North Island muttonbird meaning

North Island muttonbird refers to the harvesting of a species of seabird for its rich and nutritious meat which has cultural significance to the Maori people of New Zealand.


North Island muttonbird definitions

Word backwards htroN dnalsI dribnottum
Part of speech The part of speech of the phrase "North Island muttonbird" is a noun phrase.
Syllabic division North Is-land mut-ton-bird
Plural The plural of North Island muttonbird is North Island muttonbirds.
Total letters 21
Vogais (5) o,i,a,u,i
Consonants (11) n,r,t,h,i,s,l,d,m,b

North Island muttonbird is a type of bird commonly found in New Zealand. These seabirds are known for their distinctive calls and unique nesting habits. They are also known as titi, a name given by the Māori people.

Characteristics of North Island Muttonbird

North Island muttonbirds are medium-sized birds with dark plumage and long wings. They have a wingspan of about 1 meter and typically weigh around 1 kilogram. These birds are excellent flyers and are known for their long migration patterns.

Nesting Habits

The North Island muttonbirds are known for their burrow-nesting habits. They dig burrows in the ground using their sharp beaks and feet. These burrows provide shelter for their eggs and chicks during the nesting season. The muttonbirds return to the same burrow year after year.

Feeding Habits

North Island muttonbirds primarily feed on small fish, squid, and krill. They forage in the ocean, using their keen eyesight to spot prey from the air. These birds are also known for diving into the water to catch fish.

Conservation Status

The North Island muttonbirds are considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and predation by introduced species. Conservation efforts are being made to protect their nesting grounds and prevent further decline in their population.

Importance to the Ecosystem

North Island muttonbirds play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. They help control the population of prey species and are an important food source for predators such as seals and sharks. Their presence indicates a healthy marine environment.

Overall, the North Island muttonbird is a fascinating bird with unique characteristics and habits. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the survival of this species for future generations to enjoy.


North Island muttonbird Examples

  1. The North Island muttonbird population is declining due to habitat destruction.
  2. Many people in New Zealand enjoy watching the North Island muttonbirds return to their burrows.
  3. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the North Island muttonbird species.
  4. The Maori people have a special relationship with the North Island muttonbird.
  5. Researchers are studying the migration patterns of North Island muttonbirds.
  6. Some restaurants offer North Island muttonbird meat on their menus.
  7. Photographers travel to remote islands to capture images of North Island muttonbirds.
  8. Tourists flock to see the North Island muttonbird colonies during breeding season.
  9. The government has implemented regulations to protect the North Island muttonbird population.
  10. North Island muttonbirds are known for their distinctive calls.


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  • Updated 16/04/2024 - 11:15:11