Grey Warbler

Riroriro is a tiny grey-brown songbird whose descending trilled song is heard across New Zealand. Its red eye, pale grey face, white-tipped tail and very small bill distinguish it from silvereye; the tail is often flicked while foraging.

It is widespread on both main islands and many offshore islands in native and planted vegetation. Riroriro glean small insects from outer foliage and build a hanging enclosed nest with a side entrance. Shining cuckoos commonly parasitise the nest.

Grey warbler is Not Threatened (NZ Threat Classification). Severe weather and introduced predators cause local losses. Wooded gardens, scrub and forest edges nationwide are reliable, though the song is easier to detect than the bird.