Price put on heads of 'angry birds'
ANGRY BIRD: The aggressive red-vented bulbul are "prolific breeders" and one of the world's most invasive species.
A bounty has been placed on "angry birds" infiltrating New Zealand.
Red-vented bulbuls have been spotted on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and the Department of Conservation is offering a $300 reward for sighting information that leads to the birds' capture.
The birds, one of the most invasive and aggressive bird species in the world, are a threat to native birds like the kereru, as well as fruit and vegetable crops, including grapes, berries and tomatoes.
The birds probably arrived on ships from South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan and Burma.
"They are kept for fighting and betting in India. It's possible they could have been kept as companions or pets on ships," Minister of Conservation Nick Smith says.
The Ministry of Primary Industries also has confirmed sightings of the birds in Henderson, Te Atatu, Manurewa and the North Shore.
It is the third time the birds have infested Auckland since the 1950s and they could number up to 1400 in the next year if not halted.
"We want to locate any birds out there so they can be successfully removed before a population can establish," MPI response manager Brad Chandler says.
"People who believe they've seen or heard red-vented bulbuls are asked to call the free Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline 0800 809 966 and provide the location.
"A photo would also be hugely useful," Mr Chandler says.
Payments will be made where reports directly result in a successful capture until November 10.
Red-vented bulbuls are a medium-sized bird, about 20 centimetres long, about the size of a starling. They have a black head, a dark back, grey-white belly, and a distinctive crimson-red patch of feathers beneath their tail.
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