Australasian Birds

Petroicidae : Australasian Robins

Tomtit

Petroica macrocephala

Ulva Island, New Zealand - November 2005

Unlike New Zealand Robin, the Tomtit spends very little time on the ground and instead searches for its invertebrate prey from elevated perches in the understorey of native forests.

Ulva Island, New Zealand - November 2005

Tomtits are locally common throughout New Zealand, but the introduction of non-native predators and forest clearance has had a detrimental effect on their population.  At present, their numbers are stable and an increase in their breeding success has been observed in areas where active predator control is persued.

Paparoa, New Zealand - November 2005