Rifleman

Overview

The rifleman (Acanthisitta chloris) is a small, insectivorous passerine bird endemic to New Zealand and the country's smallest native bird species. It is a member of the family Acanthisittidae, also known as the New Zealand wrens, though it is not related to true wrens. The species is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Males are bright green above with a yellow-green rump, while females are a somber brownish tone flecked with ochre on the head and back.
• Both sexes feature white underparts, often with a yellow wash on the flanks, and distinct white eyebrow stripes.
• Adults range from 7 to 9 cm in length, possessing short, rounded wings, a very short tail, and a long thin awl-like bill that is brownish and slightly upturned.
• Flight produces a characteristic humming sound similar to that of a hummingbird, and vocalisations include a squeaky, repetitive zipt call that is partly in the ultrasonic range.

Habitat

The rifleman inhabits thinly wooded forests across both main islands of New Zealand, with the North Island subspecies favouring lowland tawa forest and the South Island subspecies found in high-altitude beech forest or lowland podocarp forests. It is the most widespread acanthisittid but is rare north of Te Aroha. Forest fragmentation from land development has reduced habitat availability and increased isolation between populations.

Diet

This bird is insectivorous, foraging for maggots and small insects on tree trunks and among leaf litter on the forest floor. It feeds in a manner similar to the treecreeper, starting at the base of a tree and spiralling up the trunk to search for prey. After completing a search on one tree, the bird glides to the foot of a neighbouring tree to begin the process again.

Did you know?

The rifleman's calls are partly in the ultrasonic range, although it is unknown what function this serves or if the birds can even hear these high frequencies. The species was also featured on the reverse of the New Zealand $2 note between 1967 and 1991.