New Zealand Robins | Toutouwai (Petroica spp.)

New Zealand Robins, known as Toutouwai in Māori, are small, ground-feeding songbirds endemic to New Zealand. There are three distinct subspecies, found across the North Island (Petroica longipes), South Island (Petroica australis australis), and Stewart Island (Petroica australis rakiura). They are easily recognised by their upright posture, and small dark/grey to black coloration.

These robins primarily inhabit native forests but can also be found in regenerating bush and some exotic plantations as well as forest edges. Their diet consists mainly of invertebrates, with seasonal additions of berries and small fruits. All subspecies are strongly territorial, and males often remain within the same territory for life. While conservation status varies by subspecies and location, all face threats from habitat loss and introduced predators including stoats, possums, rats, and feral cats.