Pīpipi
Brown creeper
Mohoua novaeseelandiae
Their Story
Pīpipi/ brown creepers are exceptionally charming, chatty birds. They’re often difficult to spot as their plumage enables them to blend in excellently among the branches. Their constant and distinctive chatter often gives them away. They, along with their sister species, mohua and pōpokatea, are known for forming large flocks. In winter, these flocks can consist of many unrelated species including: tīeke, kākāriki and pīwakawaka. Brown creepers were once abundant across Te Wai Pounamu and Rakiura, but are now only common in high altitude forest or areas with low pest abundance. They are unfortunately not established within the Sanctuary despite there being a nearby population.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Populations are stable across the South and Stewart Islands.
Population
Widespread and locally common throughout South Island and Stewart Island forests. Occasionally recorded within the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary.
Voice
Constant, lively chatter interspersed with a rapid, tumbling song — often described as “whistling while doing cartwheels.”
Food
Feeds mainly on invertebrates and occasionally fruit, foraging from low branches to the upper canopy.
Subtle in colour though charming up close, pīpipi display a blend of brown and light-buff plumage with a grey face. Males, females, and juveniles look similar. They are small and subtle coloured birds, but they make their presence known with their loud and constant chattering calls in their small flocks.
Active and sociable, pīpipi often forage in small flocks, especially outside the breeding season. They feed mainly on invertebrates such as caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and occasionally fruit. Foraging occurs from a few metres above the ground up to the canopy, but rarely on the forest floor. Their quick, tumbling whistles have been described as “like someone whistling while doing cartwheels.”
Breeding takes place from September to February. Pīpipi are monogamous, usually pairing for life. Females build deep, cup-shaped nests high in the canopy and lay 2–4 eggs. The female incubates and broods, while both parents feed the chicks once hatched. Fledglings leave the nest after 18–22 days and become independent within 35–65 days. Males may continue feeding fledglings as females begin new nests, and pairs may attempt up to four clutches per season — though two broods are typical. Remarkably, during drought years, unsuccessful pairs have been seen helping feed neighbouring young, showing rare cooperative behaviour.
Pīpipi inhabit native and exotic forests and shrublands throughout Te Waipounamu and Rakiura. Historically widespread across the South Island, they remain common in western and southern forests. Occasional sightings in the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary suggest the recovering ngahere may once again support this energetic species.
Once abundant across Aotearoa’s southern forests, pīpipi populations declined with large-scale forest clearance during the 19th century. Many intact lowland forests have more recently lost their creeper populations due to predation, usually from rats. Today, they are classed as Not Threatened and appear stable, though climate change may allow rats to invade their higher altitude refugia. This species, like most endemic forest birds, responds well to pest removal.
Although not yet resident, pīpipi have been occasionally sighted within the Sanctuary’s upper forest. Their absence remains a small mystery, perhaps having missed the boat like the yellow-crowned kākāriki, which were not long ago heard in the Brook catchment, but have since become exceedingly rare in the Richmond Ranges. Pest control within the Sanctuary halo would facilitate the reestablishment of this species. Perhaps their establishment is made difficult by the abundance of territorial birds like kakaruai/ South Island robins since the removal of mammalian pests.
Pīpipi often form mixed flocks with kākāriki, fantails, grey warblers, and mōhua as an adaptive strategy that may help spot predators or disturb insect food more effectively.
Our other residents
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Ngā mihi nui to @nbs.co.nz for their support of the Sanctuary.
As a longstanding sponsor, NBS plays an important role in helping us protect and preserve our 690-hectare pest-free Sanctuary for future generations.
Your generosity also helps support local people when they need it most. We’re incredibly grateful for your partnership and commitment to our community.
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May 10
Sideways roly-poly: kiwi chick edition 🐣
This kiwi pukupuku chick tries a shortcut, takes an almighty tumble, pops straight back up, and, full of determination, makes up the bank the second time.
Our tiny fluff ball is learning some important life lessons.
If this made you smile, share it with someone who needs that energy today.
#kiwi #kiwichick #newzealandwildlife #wildlifeofnewzealand #nznature #naturelovers #conservation #wildlifevideo #cuteanimals #feelgoodvideo #naturevideo #forestfriends #aotearoa #nelsonnz #visitnelson #savethekiwi
May 7
One year ago, something truly special arrived at the Sanctuary — 41 precious kiwi pukupuku ✨
Since then, it’s been an incredible journey. From careful monitoring to those quiet, thrilling moments of discovery, we celebrated our first chicks just before Christmas last year and now estimate that 10–15 have successfully hatched within the Sanctuary. A powerful sign that this tiny, rare kiwi is thriving.
Our night tours have brought visitors closer than ever to these elusive taonga, creating unforgettable experiences and deepening connections to Aotearoa’s unique wildlife.
Every visit, every donation, and every bit of business support help protect not only kiwi pukupuku, but all the species that call the Sanctuary home. Together, we’re building a future where they can continue to grow and flourish in a safe, pest-free environment.
We’re incredibly grateful to our staff, volunteers, and supporters for helping turn this vision into reality.
Here’s to one year of kiwi pukupuku in Whakatū (Nelson) — and many more to come.
🌿✨
📷Photo credit: Sean McGrath
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May 6
🔊 You’ll usually hear kākā before you spot them.
That scratchy, excited call from the canopy is often your first clue.
Listen for the harsh, rhythmic “ka-aa” as they fly above the forest canopy, or a sharp, grating “kraak” if they’re disturbed. They also have a range of loud, musical whistles that can vary from place to place.
Then look up for a large, olive-brown parrot cutting between trunks and branches, often quicker than your eyes can track.
How to spot them: Movement: a chunky forest parrot shape, often climbing and clambering rather than perching still
Watch for colour in flight: a warm red-orange flush under the wings when they take off
Check the ground: “falling fragments” like chewed seed pods, shredded bark, and nibbled plant pieces can mean a kākā has been feeding above you.
Save this for your next walk, and tag someone who always hears birds but never sees them.
“Let them be wild – never feed kākā”
This translocation is being carried out in partnership with @ngatiapakiterato , @docgovtnz and @natureland_wildlife_trust
📷 Photos: Phillip Cochrane
#WelcomingKākā #kākā #theSanctuary #BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #nativebirds #conservationnz #nelsonnz #tetauihu #ngahere
May 4
A Fantastic Fungi Adventure 🍄
Discover the hidden world of fungi at Brook Waimarama Sanctuary!
Join our guided Fungi Tours and explore the incredible diversity of fungi thriving in the ngahere. Learn how these fascinating organisms support the health of the ngahere, spot unique species with knowledgable guides, and experience the sanctuary in a whole new way.
Perfect for nature lovers, curious minds, and anyone wanting a deeper connection to Aotearoa’s native environment.
Spots are limited – book your Fungi Tour today and don’t miss out!
👉 Secure your place now and step into the world beneath the forest floor.
🌐 www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/visit/guided-tours-experiences
@nelsontasmannz
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Apr 29
We’re open this ANZAC long weekend! 🌳
The Sanctuary will be open across the ANZAC long weekend, offering the perfect chance to explore Aotearoa’s incredible native wildlife, forest tracks, and peaceful ngahere.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a peaceful nature walk, or simply looking to reconnect with the outdoors, the Sanctuary is ready to welcome you. Don’t miss your final chance to see our three kākā in their temporary aviary before they’re released into the wider Sanctuary next week!
👉 Saturday & Sunday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
👉 Monday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Come and experience the beauty and restoration of this special place.
Plan your visit and see us over the long weekend.
📷Photo credit: Rebecca Bowater - Fungi in the Sanctuary
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Apr 24
