Robin breeding on Matiu/Somes Island
Robin breeding on Matiu/Somes Island
North Island robin have wasted no time starting a new population on Matiu/Somes Island.
Two chicks hatched on the island on September 26, just five months after 21 birds were relocated there from Kapiti Island.
The population is likely to expand further over the current breeding season with six nests discovered by DOC staff monitoring the birds. Each pair may lay several clutches in a season.
DOC Poneke Area manager Rob Stone said the successful breeding was an indication of the flourishing state of the island’s native vegetation.
“It’s great to see the robins settled in so soon after the transfer. The fact that they have produced young is a sign that the island is a great habitat for them.
“Credit for this must go to the volunteers who have spent countless hours planting trees on the island over the past 25 years.”
The introduction of the robins follows the successful transfer of tuatara, red crowned kakariki, giant weta and forest geckos to the island.
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