riroriro - grey warbler
Such a loud noise for such a small bird!
Photo: Maddox Photography
riroriro - grey warbler
Gerygone igata
New Zealand Status: Endemic
Conservation Status: Not threatened
Lifespan: 5 years
Size: 11cm (a touch smaller than a silvereye)
Weight: 6g
-Despite being the only host for the brood parasitic pīpīwharoroa/shining cuckoo, riroriro are not threatened.
Is it a grey warbler?
Look for: A tiny, tiny grey body, a pointy beak and a red eye.
Listen for: A loud, long trilling sound, usually going up in pitch somewhere in the middle.
Did you know?
If it weren't for the riroriro's tail, it could potentially claim the title of Aotearoa's smallest bird. The fact that titipounamu/rifleman have almost no tail means they claim that accolade.
Should you be feeling sorry for riroriro due to the brood parasitism of the migratory shining cuckoo, fear not! Riroriro usually have their first clutch of eggs while the the cuckoos are still overseas.
Riroriro @ Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Riroriro have remained on Maungatautari, even in the presence of introduced pests before the completion of the fence in 2006. Keep an eye (and ear) out on the track leading down to the main entrance as they are often spotted in the young trees lining the track.
References:
Predator Free NZ
New Zealand Birds Online