South Island robin / Toutouwai
Last Modified: 15-3-2019 10:20
© Christopher Cookson License this image
South Island robin / Toutouwai (Petroica australis) are a small bird found in native forest and scrub country of the South Island.Robins primarily eat insects and invertebrates, however they will also eat fruit when other food is scarce. They are found throughout the South Island and Stewart Island, however populations tend to be concentrated in specific areas, with Marlborough being one of several regions where they are common.
They are quite fearless birds, and will readily approach humans, often coming within a few centimetres, if people don't make aggressive movements.
The example shown was observed in the Tummill River catchment of the Ferny Gair Conservation Area.
Image Date: 1/1/2011
Photographer: Christopher Cookson
Location: Latitude: -41.707279 Longitude: 173.669083