Riroriro (the Grey Warbler)

Author : Marg Tapper

Riroriro

When you are next walking in the Lang’s Scenic Reserve look out for the grey warbler( riroriro). It’s a little bird, in fact the second smallest bird endemic to New Zealand after the rifleman. The riroriro is hard to see because it is tiny and grey, with some olive on the upper parts but buff coloured below. The adult bird has bright red eyes.

Of course you may hear it. The grey warbler does just as the name suggests - warbles loudly and will be heard clearly through the bush.

It may also catch your eye for its unique ability to hover for four or five seconds at a time over the branch of a tree with its wings beating frantically as it gathers insects, spiders and suchlike from the foliage.

The riroriro is also known for its unique nest structure and this may well be why the bird has thrived so well in New Zealand. The year old female will build this untidy, pear shaped blob often attached to a branch of manuka, kanuka or even gorse from moss, rootlets, lichen while lining the interior with feathers. The riroriro nest features an awning above the 3cm entrance hole to keep the rain off.

This well designed nest however attracts the attention of the shining cuckoo, who over the centuries has chosen to lay its egg in the nest too sometimes and leave the little grey warbler to hatch a big alien egg - which it does in good spirits, warbling loudly as it goes about its tasks.

In Maori lore the orientation of the riroriro nest, with the entrance positioned away from the prevailing wind gave pointers for weather and protection. When the riroriro was at the height of its song, it was time to plant crops!

This Maori saying captures this nuance in chiding those who didn’t heed the call - I whea koe I te tangihanga o te riroriro ka mahi kai mau?

Where were you when the riroriro was singing, that you didn’t work to get yourself food?

Keep an eye out for this industrious little worker in the bush.

When next in the ngahere (bush) see if you can recognise the riroriro’s song - click the audio file below