Story: Small forest birds

South Island rifleman (1st of 2)

South Island rifleman

Riflemen nest in tree holes or other secure cavities. Males make several nests before the female chooses one to help complete. This nest awaits its lining of soft material – moss, fern roots, leaf skeletons, feathers and spider webs. Birds stay paired year after year, usually raising two clutches of about four chicks.

Using this item

Department of Conservation
Reference: 10028859
Photograph by Rod Morris

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How to cite this page:

Christina Troup, 'Small forest birds - Riflemen', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/12461/south-island-rifleman (accessed 21 April 2024)

Story by Christina Troup, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015, updated 1 Aug 2023