The South Island robin is a sparrow-sized bird found only in New Zealand, where it has the status of a protected endemic species. The birds are sparsely distributed through the South Island and Stewart Island / Rakiura, although the distribution is not continuous. The nominate, and the Stewart Island robin are the two subspecies. The species is closely related to the North Island robin, and also to the extremely rare black robin of the Chatham Islands.
Region
South Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily through native beech and podocarp-broadleaf forests, as well as regenerating scrub and forest edges. It is most common in predator-controlled reserves, offshore islands, and fenced sanctuaries. Birds forage on the forest floor and low trunks, using perches and open leaf-litter patches for ambush. Distribution is discontinuous where habitat is fragmented or predators are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as kakaruai, the South Island robin is a tame, inquisitive forest bird that often approaches people on tracks. It forms long-term pairs and has benefited from predator control and translocations to sanctuaries. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate South Island robin and the Stewart Island robin (rakiura). It is closely related to the North Island robin and the critically rare black robin of the Chatham Islands.
South Island robin
Stewart Island robin
South Island robin, Southland District
South Island robin foraging on the ground
Banded South Island robin at Orokonui Ecosanctuary
Temperament
confiding and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found as territorial pairs that defend year-round territories. Pairs are largely monogamous; males often feed incubating females and fledglings. Nests are placed in tree cavities, banks, or dense vegetation, and multiple nesting attempts can occur within a season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, melodious series of whistles and short phrases, mainly delivered by males from perches. Contact calls are thin, high-pitched chips; alarm calls are sharper and more insistent.
Plumage
Males are dark slate-grey with a paler grey breast; females are browner-grey with lighter underparts. Both sexes show a pale grey to whitish lower belly and vent, with soft, loose-textured feathers. The stance is upright with long legs and a relatively large head.
Diet
Primarily takes terrestrial invertebrates such as beetles, spiders, caterpillars, and worms. It uses a perch-and-pounce strategy to snatch prey from leaf litter or low trunks. During lean periods it may also take small berries or other arthropods gleaned from foliage. Food is often cached briefly and retrieved.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the forest floor, along track edges, windfalls, and at the bases of tree ferns and logs. Frequently hunts from low perches with good views of open patches of leaf litter.
