Tomtit
NameTomtit
Common NameTomtit
Scientific NamePetroica macrocephala
FamilyPetroicidae
Wingspan (cm)19
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)11.5
Plumage DetailsMale plumage features a glossy black head, back, wings, and tail, with a distinctive white spot above the bill and a white bar on the wing. The breast and belly are bright yellow, contrasting with white undertail coverts. Females are duller, with grey-brown upperparts and yellowish-white underparts.
Vocalization / CallA clear, whistling song often rendered as 'ti-o-ti-o-ti-o' or 'peter-peter-peter', along with various chirps and trills.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to New Zealand, found on the North, South, Stewart, and Auckland Islands, inhabiting native forests and exotic plantations.
Identifying Featuressmall size, male's black, white, and yellow plumage, white spot above bill, white wing bar, active foraging behavior
Description
The Tomtit is a small, active passerine endemic to New Zealand. Males are strikingly patterned with black, white, and yellow, while females are duller. They are primarily insectivorous, foraging in the forest understory and canopy.
