Tomtit

The tomtit, or miromiro, is a small endemic forest bird represented by five geographically distinct subspecies. It has a compact body, large head and short bill; adult males are strongly black-and-white, while females are browner and paler below.

Tomtits occur in forest and scrub across the North, South and Stewart islands and several offshore island groups, with plumage varying among subspecies. They watch from low perches and dart to the ground or foliage for insects, also taking small fruit.

Tomtit is Not Threatened (NZ Threat Classification). They can be encountered on forest tracks across both main islands, often low beside the path.