North Island robins are one of three subspecies of robin,
each found on one of New Zealand’s main islands (North, South, and
Stewart Island). Robins are smaller than a starling and larger than a
sparrow, weighing around 23 grams. They have a large head, short necks,
and stand upright on long thin legs. Adults are dark grey with a light
chest and belly and a white spot above their bill.
Robins are noisy, active, and inquisitive.
They are one of
New Zealand’s most fearless and curious birds, usually venturing within a
few metres of people and occasionally hopping on boots. They often come
to the ground to hunt for invertebrates in the leaf litter. They are
one of the first birds to sing in the morning and the last to sing at
night. The morning song consists of a high to low scale, uttered in
quick succession. The evening performance is a short, rather melancholic
chirping note, repeated quickly.
