The Ornithological Society of New Zealand (OSNZ), also known as Birds New Zealand, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the study of birds and their habitats in the New Zealand region. Founded in 1940, it caters to a wide variety of people interested in the birds of the region, from professional ornithologists to casual birdwatchers. The Society publishes a quarterly peer-reviewed scientific journal, Notornis, and a quarterly news magazine, Birds New Zealand (formerly Southern Bird). It also organises membership-based scientific projects, such as the Atlas of Bird Distribution in New Zealand.

History

Following preliminary discussions in 1938 and 1939, the Society was formally established at an inaugural general meeting chaired by Robert Falla at Canterbury Museum on 24 May 1940. It became an incorporated body in January 1953.

Aims

The aims of the OSNZ are to:

Notornis

Notornis is a quarterly peer-reviewed scientific journal that focuses on bird-based research in New Zealand and the South Pacific. It has been published since 1943.

New Zealand Bird Atlas

The society oversees the New Zealand Bird Atlas, a citizen science project using observers all over the country to record the presence of birds. The project to undertake the fourth update of the bird atlas was launched at the society's 2019 annual conference.

Annual conference

The society holds an annual conference that provides an opportunity for amateur and professional ornithologists to meet and present recent research findings. The conference programme typically includes field trips.

Award

The society grants the Robert Falla Memorial Award to people "who have made a significant contribution to both the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and to New Zealand ornithology".

Notable members