Grey Gerygone

Overview

The grey gerygone, also known as the grey warbler or riroriro, is a small insectivorous bird endemic to New Zealand. It belongs to the family Acanthizidae and is common throughout the country's main and offshore islands, avoiding only open country and alpine zones.

Identification

• Very small bird weighing around 6.5g and measuring approximately 10cm in length.
• Grey-brown plumage with a long tail that is darker than the body, featuring white tail-end markings and a white underside.
• Adults possess a distinctive ruby red eye, whereas juveniles have brown eyes and yellowish feathers around the face and underbody.
• Male song consists of three initial squeaks developing into a long, plaintive, wavering trill that rises and falls.

Habitat

Found throughout New Zealand's main islands and offshore islands where shrub cover exists, but absent from open and alpine areas. It thrives in both native and exotic forests, as well as suburban areas with vegetation.

Diet

Primarily feeds on invertebrates such as spiders, beetles, and flies, foraging by hovering around shrubs and picking insects off leaves. Occasionally consumes fruit, possibly to supplement nutrients lacking in its insect-heavy diet or to meet high energy demands.

Did you know?

The direction of the nest entrance was traditionally used by Māori as a weather indicator, known as a manu tohu tau, with an eastern-facing entrance suggesting a poor season caused by western winds.