Auckland Ups Reward for Capture of ‘Angry Bird’ to $1,000

Auckland officials are bent on capturing live an Asian bird notorious for damaging fruit and vegetable crop as well as chasing and attacking other winged creatures.

For its perceived meanness, the bird for which authorities upped the reward on Thursday to $1,000 from $300 in October, is referred to as the "angry bird," with reference to the popular computer games character.

The bird's real name is bulbul, and this particular avian is a red-vented bulbul.

The bird is considered one of the most invasive bird species in the world, which caused New Zealand to list is under its Biosecurity Act 1993 as an unwanted organism.

However, while New Zealand could block agricultural produce and animals via airports and seaports when carried by passengers, it could not prevent the entry of those who flew in or arrived atop ships or yachts and then flew in.

So far, there have been five bulbuls spotted in Auckland and the city council as well as the Ministry for Primary Industries and Department of Conservation wants them captured, explaining the increase in reward.

Department of Conservation spokeswoman Liz Brooks, said, "They've arrived in Auckland twice before and were successfully eradicated both times. They're here again and we want to eliminate them before they make themselves at home."

She added more than 70 sightings have been made since the initial $300 reward money was offered. Those who spot one should call 0800 80 99 66. The offer of $1,000 reward is good until February 2014.

Among the areas where the 'Angry Bird' has been spotted are in Mangere/Manurewa/Alfriston, Henderson/Te Atatu/Massey, Devonport/Belmont/Takapuna, Whangaparoa Peninsula, Orakei and Walton, between Morrinsville and Matamata in Waikato.

To help Aucklanders confirm if what they saw is a bulbul, here is how it looks like and the distinctive sound it creates.

YouTube/Bird Lover