This tiny ‘goth’ bird was nearly extinct. Now it’s New Zealand’s Bird of the Year

Live updates

1. 37d ago

   New Zealand's Black Robin Wins Bird of the Year

   The endangered black robin, known as a tiny 'goth' bird, has been named New Zealand's Bird of the Year for 2026. The species was once down to a single breeding pair but has rebounded to 350 adults through conservation efforts. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the bird's recovery from the brink of extinction.

   Why it matters

   The black robin's recovery is considered a major conservation success story. The species was previously on the verge of extinction, with only one breeding pair remaining. Conservation efforts, including moving the remaining birds to a predator-free island and using another species to foster their eggs, have contributed to the species' rebound. The black robin's selection as Bird of the Year highlights the importance of conservation efforts in New Zealand.

   What is confirmed

   • The black robin population rebounded from near extinction to 350 adults through targeted conservation efforts.
   • The black robin was once down to a single breeding pair.
   • Conservation efforts, including moving the remaining birds to a predator-free island and using another species to foster their eggs, contributed to the species' rebound.
   • The black robin has been named New Zealand's Bird of the Year for 2026.

   What to watch next

   • Future population trends for the black robin
   • Expansion of conservation efforts to other endangered species in New Zealand
   • Potential challenges to the black robin's continued recovery
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. www.manyminded.com — New Zealand's Black Robin Recovery Marks Conservation ...
   2. www.forestandbird.org.nz — Resource library - Forest and Bird
   3. www.wvxu.org — A nearly extinct bird is making a comeback with Cincinnati Zoo's help
   4. bsky.app — Post by @amandawtwong.bsky.social — Bluesky
   5. www.tecnoandroid.it — Pettirosso nero, il goth robin è Bird of the Year 2025 ...
   6. www.noz.de — Einst nur noch ein Brutpaar: Die wundersame Rückkehr des ...
   7. libertyunyielding.com — Threatened songbird makes a comeback - Liberty Unyielding
   8. italiantimes.substack.com — One of the World's Rarest Parrots Passes 300 Individuals for ...
   9. secretsofthegreengarden.com — Kakapo Record Breeding Season: 90 Remarkable Chicks Boost ...
   10. www.speciesradar.org — Kākāpō: Record Chicks Push Total to 325 | SpeciesRadar
   11. bsky.app — Post by @astropierre.com — Bluesky
   12. birdshistory.com — The Kakapo: New Zealand's Nocturnal, Flightless Parrot — and ...
   confidence 85%
2. 45d ago

   Endangered Black Robin Wins New Zealand Bird of the Year

   The endangered black robin has won New Zealand's Bird of the Year title for 2026. Known as a tiny 'goth' bird, the species achieved a remarkable conservation comeback after previously plunging down to just a single breeding pair. New Zealanders selected the bird for the annual national spotlight, celebrating a dramatic recovery from the brink of extinction.

   Why it matters

   The black robin nearly vanished completely in the 1970s before intensive conservation efforts rescued the species. Populations have since rebounded from that single breeding pair to hundreds of birds. The annual Bird of the Year competition draws widespread national attention to New Zealand's most vulnerable native wildlife.

   What is confirmed

   • The black robin won New Zealand's Bird of the Year 2026 title.
   • The species was once reduced to just a single breeding pair.
   • The bird nearly went extinct in the 1970s.

   What to watch next

   • Future conservation milestones as the black robin population grows beyond hundreds of birds
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. The Guardian — The black robin, once down to just a single breeding pair, wins NZ bird of the year
   2. RNZ — Black robin bucks shy tag to take Bird of the Year 2026
   3. Phys.org — New Zealanders pick endangered black robin as Bird of the Year
   4. Qazinform — Bird saved from extinction named New Zealand’s Bird of the Year
   5. CNN — This tiny ‘goth’ bird was nearly extinct. Now it’s New Zealand’s Bird of the Year
   6. IFLScience — Tiny Black "Goth" Robin Wins New Zealand Bird Of The Year After Remarkable Conservation Comeback
   7. Yahoo — ‘Goth’ Black Robin That Almost Went Extinct in the 1970s Bounces Back from a Single Breeding Pair to Hundreds of Award-Winning Birds
   8. Forest and Bird — Karure | Kakaruia | Black Robin
   9. www.wvnews.com — Mothman gets national spotlight in new Atlas Obscura podcast episode
   confidence 100%