The endangered black robin, also known as karure, was named New Zealand’s Bird of the Year on 21 September 2026. The competition was organised by Forest & Bird, and the black robin won after receiving more than 25,000 votes in a record turnout of 105,000 votes.
Black Robin: Species Profile
The black robin is a small passerine bird native to the Chatham Islands, which lie about 800 kilometres east of mainland New Zealand. Its scientific name is Petroica traversi, and it belongs to the Australasian robin group in the family Petroicidae.
Conservation Status and Recovery
The black robin was reduced to five birds in 1980, including one breeding female known as Old Blue. Conservation action helped the population recover to around 350 adult birds, but the species remains classified as threatened-nationally critical in New Zealand.
Conservationists have linked the species’ long-term survival to predator control and habitat protection on the Chatham Islands. The Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust has supported the idea of a third pest-free island habitat for the species.
Bird of the Year Competition
Bird of the Year is an annual public vote run by Forest & Bird, a New Zealand conservation organisation. The 2026 contest drew about 88% of its votes from within New Zealand.
The kākāpō, the world’s heaviest parrot, finished second in the 2026 contest. The kārearea, or New Zealand falcon, finished third.
Important Facts for Exams
- The black robin is endemic to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand.
- Old Blue was the only breeding female among the five black robins recorded in 1980.
- The black robin is listed as threatened-nationally critical in New Zealand.
- The kākāpō is a flightless parrot and the heaviest living parrot species.
Forest & Bird and Chatham Islands
Forest & Bird is one of New Zealand’s major conservation groups and organises the Bird of the Year competition each year. The Chatham Islands are an isolated archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean and form part of New Zealand’s territory.
