South Island Robin

The South Island robin, or kakaruai, is a confiding endemic forest bird of the South Island and Rakiura/Stewart Island. Adults are dark grey with a sharply contrasting white-to-yellowish breast and belly; the South Island form has a paler breast than the darker Rakiura form.

It remains widespread but patchy in South Island forests, while a distinct population occupies Rakiura/Stewart Island and nearby islands. Birds hop over the forest floor for invertebrates and may cache prey for later use.

South Island robin is At Risk — Declining on the South Island and At Risk — Relict on Rakiura/Stewart Island (NZ Threat Classification); rats, stoats and other introduced predators affect populations. Predator-controlled South Island forests and sanctuaries, as well as forest tracks on Rakiura, are good places to look.