The highly territorial male can often be seen flitting along trees on the edge of walking tracks. The female will be nearby, but keeps further away; she has much less prominent markings, and is often mistaken for a robin. However, tomtits are only half the size of a robin, and are a little smaller than a sparrow. Their stance on a branch is with the tail held high, and flicking rapidly, in contrast to the erect and poised stance of a robin.
Audio file: www.whatbird.co.nz. Photograph: Glen Jennings