New Zealand Robin
Petroica australis
 North Island race (P. a. longipes) - Tiritiri Matangi Island |
Stewart Island race (P. a. australis) - Ulva Island |
New Zealand - November 2005
There are three recognised subspecies of New Zealand Robin, one for each of the main islands (North Island, South Island and Stewart Island) and their associated islets. Recent molecular studies have given support to the proposal to promote the North Island race to species status.
North Island race (P. a. longipes) - Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand - November 2005
They are predominantly terrestrial in their habits and are usually found hopping around the forest floor or perched in low branches.
South Island race (P. a. australis) - Paparoa, New Zealand - November 2005
Even amongst a family well known for its lack of fear of humans, New Zealand Robins are exceptionally tame. The individual featured in the photos above and below bounced up the length of my arm whilst I was lying on the ground trying to photograph it with a 100mm macro lens!
South Island race (P. a. australis)- Paparoa, New Zealand - November 2005
South Island race (P. a. australis)- Paparoa, New Zealand - November 2005
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