In the cool, fern-laced forests of New Zealand, these charcoal-and-ivory sprites flit low through the understory with brisk confidence. They hunt insects with quick hops and sharp turns, snapping prey from bark, leaves, and forest floor in a steady rhythm. What makes them extraordinary is their quiet partnership with the woods — by keeping insect populations in balance and thriving even in regenerating forests, they help native ecosystems heal and endure. Small, bold presences in dappled shade, yet faithful caretakers of Aotearoa’s living forests.
Tomtits 👇
