The grey warbler, also known by its Māori name riroriro or outside New Zealand as the grey gerygone, is an insectivorous bird in the family Acanthizidae endemic to New Zealand. It is sometimes known as the rainbird. Its natural habitat is forests, but also tends to occupy lower vegetation habitats. These insectivorous birds feed on insects living in shrubs, and often feed on the wing. They are found throughout New Zealand, as well as offshore islands where shrub exists. They also flourish in suburban areas where there is vegetation present.
Region
New Zealand and nearby offshore islands
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout most of New Zealand wherever dense shrubs or small trees are present. Common in native podocarp–broadleaf forest, mānuka/kānuka scrub, regenerating shrublands, and forest edges. Readily uses exotic shelterbelts, farmland hedgerows, and suburban gardens with thick vegetation. Generally absent only from open, treeless terrain and the highest alpine zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Known in Māori as riroriro, the grey warbler is famed for its persistent, high-pitched song and is sometimes called the rainbird because it often sings before wet weather. It builds a distinctive, domed hanging nest with a side entrance. It is a frequent host of the shining cuckoo (pīpīwharauroa), which lays its eggs in the warbler’s nest.
Illustrations of grey warbler nests (1888)
Juvenile grey warbler
Temperament
active and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Builds a distinctive domed, pendant nest suspended from twigs with a side entrance near the top. Generally monogamous; both parents feed the young. Frequently parasitized by the shining cuckoo, which the warbler nevertheless raises.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, high-pitched, descending warble of tinkling notes delivered in long, persistent phrases. Song carries well and is often given from concealed perches. Calls include thin, high seee notes and rapid trills.
Plumage
Soft grey-brown upperparts with pale grey to off-white underparts and a faint buff wash on the flanks; subtle, even texture without bold patterning.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, flies, beetles, and spiders. Gleans from foliage and twigs and will sally out to catch flying insects. Forages methodically through shrub layers and the lower to mid canopy. Occasionally takes tiny invertebrates from the ground or leaf litter.
Preferred Environment
Dense shrubs, forest edges, regenerating scrub, and gardens with thick vegetation. Often feeds along outer foliage where prey is abundant, and in sheltered spots during windy weather.
