Since 1956, 330 species of bird have been recorded in Christchurch Harbour; with the most recent additions being Forster’s Tern, recorded May 4 2023, and Franklin’s Gull, first found in the Harbour on August 27 2026.

On June 11 2025, the first version of The Global Avian Checklist (AviList) was formally launched. In common with the British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU), CHOG has adopted this new worldwide bird taxonomy, which is the taxonomy that was followed in the 2026 annual report ‘The Birds of Christchurch Harbour 2025’. The Harbour List below reflects the changes brought about by the publication of the AviList.

Previously, the list of bird species recorded in the Harbour complied with v15.1 of the IOC bird list. You can read a summary of how AviList v2025 differed from IOC v15.1 and how it impacted the CHOG Harbour Bird List by clicking here.

Some of the species in the list are highlighted. Click on a highlighted species to view information about where and when the species has been recorded in the Christchurch Harbour Recording Area. There are also links to relevant external and CHOG Online items.

CHOG members have access to all available CHOG Online items. If you are not already a member, why not join CHOG now for full access to CHOG Online, a copy of our annual report, plus free attendance at all CHOG Outdoor Meetings and Indoor Meetings.

The species highlighted will be added to over time, so please return to this web page every so often to view information about a growing number of species. If you discover any problems with the embedded links, please report the issue by email.

For an indication of the bird species likely to be seen in the Harbour this month, click here.

Click here for this month’s SPECIES OF THE MONTH.

For guidance on how to report sightings of bird species, see Recording Guidelines.