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Rifleman acrobatics

New Zealand’s smallest bird, the rifleman (Acanthisitta chloris), feeds exclusively on insects. They browse native forests, going up and down trees, systematically hunting down their tiny prey. This rifleman on the track to Mt Arthur Hut has taken an interest in what’s inhabiting the mosses and lichens on the underside of a branch (probably a beech). These riflemen explore all angles. A daring acrobatic feat? How hard can it really be to hang on to the side of a tree with your feet if you weigh only 6 grams? Oh wait, he’s only using one foot. Awesome!