Chatham Islands Black Robin

The Chatham Islands black robin is world renowned for the success in restoring the species from the brink of extinction to a stable population. From a mere 5 birds, with only one breeding pair, to over 250 adult birds.

Black robin are very small, and live for as long as 13 years. Their favourite diet consists of insects such as cockroaches and weta, as well as grubs and worms. They mate for life and while they will lay two eggs and will re-lay, if their clutch is lost, nesting low to the ground has made them vulnerable to pests. All the black robins alive today descended from the last breeding pair, named 'Old Blue,' and 'Old Yellow.'

Black robins like foraging in the deep layers of litter found on flat areas of the forest floor.

Currently, populations are on South East Island and Mangere Island in the Chatham Islands group, although several unsuccessful attempts were made to get another population going in a predator proof enclosure on Pitt Island

Black Robin Homestays; quiet, comfortable home-style accommodation.

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