The Cute Tiny Tomtits With Oversized Heads On A Ball Of Yellow Feathers

The tomtit (Petroica macrocephala) fits perfectly into the Australasian robins family, with a large head, tiny beak, and round puffed-out little body. They found only on the islands of New Zealand.

On the North and South Islands, the breeding season extends mainly from September to February. During this period pairs are able to rear three broods, although very few achieve this because clutches and broods are taken by predators. The breeding season is shorter on the Chatham, Snares and Auckland Islands, such that pairs rear only 1-2 broods. Nests are well concealed in thick vegetation or shallow cavities, and most clutches consist of 3-4 eggs. While the female alone incubates the eggs, the male assists by providing food to his mate 2-3 times an hour. Both members of the pair feed nestlings and fledglings.