Chatham tomtit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chatham tomtit |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
 Nationally Endangered (NZ TCS) |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Petroicidae |
| Genus: | Petroica |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: |
P. m. chathamensis
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| Trinomial name | |
| Petroica macrocephala chathamensis (CA Fleming, 1950)
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The Chatham tomtit (Petroica macrocephala chathamensis) is a special type of tomtit. It is a subspecies, which means it is a unique group within the wider tomtit family. These small birds live on some of the smaller islands near New Zealand.
The Chatham tomtit looks a lot like the South Island tomtit. Its feathers are very similar. The New Zealand government is working hard to help this bird. They have a plan to help the Chatham tomtit and other bird species grow their numbers.
Where the Chatham Tomtit Lives
The Chatham tomtit used to live on Chatham Island. But sadly, it became extinct there in the 1970s. This means there were no more Chatham tomtits left on that island.
Today, there are about 1,000 Chatham tomtits left. They only live on islands that are free of rats. These special islands are Rangatira, Mangere, and Pitt. Keeping these islands free of rats helps the tomtits survive and thrive.
