Little birds with Olympic-sized leaps

November 2024

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November 2024

The kakaruai can be found on forest tracks in the South Island backcountry. Photo: Eleanor Morgan
The kakaruai and the toutouwai may be small but they are skilled jumpers. These beloved songbirds can also count, and recognise people. Kiwi Olympic gold medal high jumper Hamish Kerr needs to watch out. The kakaruai (South Island robin) and toutouwai (North Island robin) may be small but they can jump big time. Despite being […]
Michael Szabo

About the author

Michael Szabo

Michael Szabo is the author of Wild Wellington and Native Birds of Aotearoa, editor of Birds New Zealand magazine, and writes for Greenpeace Aotearoa. He has explored all 14 national parks, the Chatham Islands and the Subantarctic Islands. He has also written for New Scientist, NZ Geographic, Sunday Star Times and The Listener, and is a former editor of Forest & Bird magazine. He has a joint honours degree in communications and cultural studies from the University of Leeds. His favourite food is bagels.

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