Rifleman (acanthisitta chloris)
Titipounamu

Size: 8 cm, 6/7 gm (male/female)

Description: Tiny bird, short stumpy tail. Slender, upturned bill. Male light green upperparts, whitish lower parts. Female streaked brown upperparts, also whitish below. Juvenile like female but also streaked on breast.

Habitat: Native forest and scrub. Feed on small invertebrates. Rarely feed on the forest floor.

Status: Protected endemic. Widespread and locally common.

Breeding: September - February. 2-5 eggs. Nests are built by both sexes in a tree-hole. Nests are lined with twigs, feathers and fern roots. Some pairs have a couple of helpers attending their nests.

Distinguishing Features: New Zealand's smallest bird.

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