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Story: Small forest birds

Snares Island tomtit

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Snares Island tomtit

The tiny Snares Island tomtit is a member of the passerine (perching bird) order. Passerines have four toes – three pointing forward and one back. Tendons running down the back of each leg draw the claws into a curled position when the bird bends its leg, so they grip a twig or branch easily.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10054900

by Tui De Roy

Courtesy of Roving Tortoise Worldwide Nature Photography

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How to cite this page

Christina Troup, Small forest birds – New Zealand’s small forest birds, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/12455/snares-island-tomtit (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Christina Troup, published 1 March 2009, updated 1 August 2023.