Rare North Island robin chicks on Mt Taranaki after 112 years

North Island robin are breeding again in Taranaki

An rare native bird species had showed encouraging signs of re-establishing in Taranaki after last being sighted in the region 112 years ago.

The North Island robin, or toutouwai, was presumed extinct in the region after 1905.

But after the release of 50 birds in April, conservationists have found evidence of them breeding on Mt Taranaki.

North Island robin are nesting after being released on Mt Taranaki in April 2017.

Three pairs of toutouwai with chicks have been discovered nesting,Taranaki Mounga project manager Sean Zieltjes​ said.

The robins, relocated from Pureora Forest Park, are the first species to be re-introduced to the area by the environmental project, a $24 million scheme aimed at eradicating pests and restoring wildlife.

"We are ecstatic the robins have stayed and are breeding," Zieltjes said.

"It's a testament to the exceptional work of the team and it's great to get this early win and we will keep cracking on with our goal to build large and resilient bird populations."

Conservation biologist Nic Gorman said the pairs had established a cluster which would encourage more robins to the protected block.

"My gut feeling is now these birds are there, it will be an anchor so if there are more translocations the birds will stick," he said.

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