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Kōrero: Evolution of plants and animals

Rock wren

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Rock wren

The rock wren (Xenicus gilviventris) is a little alpine bird that lives under rocks beneath winter snows. Along with the rifleman (Acanthisitta chloris), the wren belongs to the family Acanthisittidae. DNA analysis suggests that they are living relatives of the earliest passeriform (perching) birds. These birds date back at least 85 million years, when New Zealand split from Gondwana.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10047599

by Graeme Loh

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Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Matt McGlone, Evolution of plants and animals – Split from Gondwana, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/12422/rock-wren (accessed 25 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Matt McGlone, i tāngia i te 1 March 2009.