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New Zealand's 'Goth' Black Robin Wins Bird of the Year 2026 After Near Extinction
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Firstpost•22-09-2026, 09:22
New Zealand's 'Goth' Black Robin Wins Bird of the Year 2026 After Near Extinction
- •The karure, or Chatham Islands black robin, won New Zealand's Bird of the Year 2026 with over 25,000 votes, beating the kakapo.
- •Once among the world's rarest birds, its population dwindled to just five individuals, including one fertile female named Old Blue, by 1980.
- •An unusual breeding program, fostering black robin eggs with other species, led to a remarkable recovery; there are now around 350 adult black robins.
- •The species, nicknamed New Zealand's 'goth' bird for its all-black plumage, lives on two pest-free reserves in the Chatham Islands.
- •Conservation efforts continue as the species remains critically threatened, with plans to establish a third population to ensure its long-term survival.
Key Questions Answered
The karure, or Chatham Islands black robin, won New Zealand's 2026 Bird of the Year competition after receiving over 25,000 votes.
By 1980, the black robin population had plummeted to just five birds, which included only one fertile female named Old Blue.
Today, approximately 350 adult black robins survive on two pest-free nature reserves located in the Chatham Islands.
