Ancient family

Strictly speaking, rock wren aren't 'true' wrens. New Zealand's rock wren and rifleman are the only surviving members of an ancient family called Acanthisittidae. This evolutionary branch is separate from all other passerines (perching birds).

Alpine mystery

Rock wren are the only bird that lives permanently above the bush line in New Zealand. There can be thick snow in winter, so how do these tiny birds survive? So far, we're not sure whether they hibernate or simply enter an inactive state called torpor.

In 2020, scientists set out to investigate, concluding that further study is needed.

Endangered

Due to introduced pests, such as stoats and mice, rock wren are endangered.

Names

Rock wren is the common pākehā (non-Māori) name used for this species.

Māori

Māori names for rock wren include:

• Hurupounamu

• Mātuhituhi

• Pīwauwau

• Tuke

Learn about te reo Māori at MāoriDictionary.com.

Scientific

Xenicus gilviventris is the scientific name for rock wren.