The South Island piopio also known as the New Zealand thrush, is an extinct species of passerine bird of the family Oriolidae. Milford Sound in the South Island of New Zealand is known as Piopiotahi in te reo Māori.
Region
South Island of New Zealand
Typical Environment
Historically occupied lowland to montane native forests across the South Island, especially dense podocarp–broadleaf and beech forests. It favored damp gullies, river terraces, and forest edges with a thick understory. Birds foraged close to the ground and in lower strata, often among fallen logs and leaf litter. The species was most frequently noted from remote southwestern forests such as Fiordland.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The South Island piopio, often called the New Zealand thrush, was a forest songbird endemic to New Zealand’s South Island and is now extinct. Its Māori name is commemorated in Piopiotahi (Milford Sound). Once placed with orioles (Oriolidae), it is now generally treated in its own lineage (Turnagridae) close to whistlers. It declined rapidly after European settlement due to introduced predators and habitat loss.
North Island piopio in front, South Island piopio at rear.
Photo of a T. c. capensis nest
Temperament
secretive and terrestrial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in dense forest. Nests were placed in shrubs or low trees, likely cup-shaped and lined with fine materials. Both parents probably participated in provisioning the young, as is typical of thrush-like passerines.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious series of clear, fluting notes and whistles delivered from low perches. The song carried well through forest and varied with short phrases and pauses. Calls included soft chips and sharper alarm notes.
Plumage
Thrush-like, with warm brown upperparts and paler buff underparts marked with dusky streaking and scalloping. The throat is lighter with fine dark streaks, and the tail often shows a rufous tinge. Feathers appear soft with a subtle sheen rather than glossy.
Diet
Took a mix of invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaf litter and low foliage. Also consumed native berries and small fruits seasonally. Occasionally probed mossy logs and bark crevices for hidden prey.
Preferred Environment
Foraged on the forest floor and lower understory of damp, mature native forests. Often searched along fallen logs, fern bases, and dense shrub layers, especially in shaded gullies.
