Stewart Island Robin

Toutouwai

Petroica australis rakiura

Stewart Island Robins are readily seen on Ulva Island, indeed it’s difficult to avoid them, as they will approach us quite fearlessly as opportunistic feeders looking for the insects our feet disturb. It’s not just us they follow, as I have filmed kiwi feeding, complete with attendant robin watching for bugs the kiwi disturbed with its feet. Like most robins the males are vigorously territorial, and disputes are common, especially as their young male offspring grow and are then see as territorial rivals.

Size 180 mm

Male Stewart Island Robin

The entire population was banded from their initial liberation in the late ’90s until just a few years ago

Nestlings in the nest on top of a broken tree stump

Robins nest on or low to the ground, making them particularly vulnerable to rat predation

Lunch Time

Both parents care for the brood. Male on the left, female on the right

Female Robin

Muted plumage, with less definition between back and breast colouration.

Male Robin

Obviously terrified of people

Robin Song

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Sails Ashore, Kowhai Lane & Sails Tours

11 View Street, Stewart Island, 9846 NEW ZEALAND

Email: tait@sailsashore.co.nz Web: www.sailsashore.co.nz