https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/the-black-robin-once-down-to-just-a-single-breeding-pair-wins-nz-bird-of-the-yearContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/the-black-robin-once-down-to-just-a-single-breeding-pair-wins-nz-bird-of-the-yearhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/the-black-robin-once-down-to-just-a-single-breeding-pair-wins-nz-bird-of-the-year#u82278Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:01:11 +0000The endangered black robin, also known as the karure, has won the 2026 New Zealand Bird of the Year title. The small bird overcame a reputation for being shy to secure the win, beating out competitors including the two-time champion kakapo. This victory marks the first time the species has won the award, highlighting a significant conservation recovery for a bird that once faced extinction.Why it mattersThe black robin population collapsed in the 1970s to a single breeding pair. Intensive conservation efforts since then have grown the population to hundreds of birds.What is confirmedThe black