The North Island robin, also known as toutouwai, is a friendly and trusting bird, often coming to within a couple of metres to people, and occasionally standing on a person’s boot.

It is found in both native and exotic forests. North Island robins measure 18 cm from beak tip to tail tip, and weigh about 35 grams, and so are slightly larger than a house sparrow. They have long, thin legs and an upright stance.