78 HOW TO IDENTIFY NEW ZEALAND BIRDS 
TITMICE 
5.25 in. Brown Creeper (Finschia novaeseelandiae). South 
Island only, almost constantly on the move, but stopping to 
sing; flight like Whitehead. Rufous brown colouring, broad 
brown spot on tail feathers. 
5.7 in. Whitehead (Certhiparus albicilla). Found only in 
North Island. Smaller than Yellowhead and quieter 
colouring. 
6 in. Yellowhead (Mohoua ochrocephala). South Island 
only. Differs from Whitehead in superior size and richer 
colouring. Differs from Yellowhammer by smaller size black 
legs and no distinctive coloured rump. 
SHRIKES 
17 in. Australian Magpie or White-backed Magpie 
(Gymnorhina leuconota). Conspicuous black and _ white 
plumage, large size, and bubbling flute song. Also whistle- 
like call. 
FLYCATCHERS 
4.5 in. Grey Warbler (Maorigerygone igata). Very 
. sommon, foster parent of Longtailed and Shining Cuckoos. 
Conspicuous white markings on wings and tail. Above 
greyish olive, throat and breast grey, underparts white 
tinged yellow. Eye red. Habit of spreading white tipped 
tail to form fan. Found garden, hedgerows, forest and 
Manuka serub. : 
5 in. North Island or Pied Tit (Myiomoira toi toi). 
Strongly contrasted black and white plumage. Found only 
north of Cook’s Strait. F. greyish but easily recognisable. 
Song, a descending warble. 
5 in. South Island or Yellow Breasted Tit (Myiomoira 
macrocephala). Differs from North Island species by yellow 
breast. Found throughout the South Island whenever there 
is sufficient forest. 
6 in. North Island Robin (Miro longipes). Differs from 
South Island Robin in duller colouring and smaller size. 
Rare except in bird reserves. Seen more frequently on forest 
floor than any other perching bird. Marvellous song. 
7.25 in. South Island Robin (Miro australis). Bigger than 
North Island Robin, but feebler vocalist. No song, but drop- 
ping whistling note. | 
6.5 in. Pied Fantail (Rhipidura flabellifera). Differs in 
colouring from Black Fantail. Sometimes inter-breeds. 
Found both islands. 
